CHENANGO COUNTY – Each year, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is a time for celebration. That’s because on this date in 1926, fighting between the Allied Forces and the German forces ceased, and World War I came to an end. Ever since that day, Nov. 11 has been celebrated as a day to honor all of the veterans who have fought for or who are currently fighting for our country.
On Sunday, towns and villages throughout Chenango County will be celebrating Veterans Day.
• New Berlin – Starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Unadilla Valley auditorium there will be a full length Veterans Day celebration, hosted by the New Berlin Bicentennial Committee. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be local resident Robert Starr. The celebration will include presentations by four speakers: Russo Perkins, a 92 year old veteran who was in the 10th Mountain Division speed control; Peter King, who served in the British Navy as a gunner; Don Austin, who was a prisoner of war for over three years and Harold Funk, who received a Purple Heart during the Korean War. The ceremony will open with a prayer by Rev. Kurt Funk and will close with a prayer by Rev. Romeyn Kipp.
There will be a variety of patriotic music and a power point presentation shown by Rev. Gary Foltz depicting local veterans. The Bicentennial committee says they want to recognize all those in the area who have served.
• Norwich – A parade will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The parade will begin at the Norwich VFW on Canal Street and will proceed through town, ending near the World War II monument in East Side Park. A ceremony will be held beginning around 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the VFW will host a luncheon event. All are welcome to attend.
• Sherburne – A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday in Sherburne’s Historic Park. This year, American Legion Post 876 has decided to honor active duty service people and their families. The American Legion Auxiliary will hold a blue ribbon program. Families of active duty service people can contact the Legion, and on Sunday, they will be presented with a blue star banner, which they can hang in their window when their loved one is deployed. The program will be held at 11 a.m. in front of the monument in Sherburne’s Historic Park.
• Oxford – The American Legion will be holding its traditional breakfast on Sunday morning starting at the regular time of 7 a.m. but it will end early at 10 a.m. so volunteers can begin preparing for the ceremonies. At 11 a.m. the Oxford American Legion post 376 will have its Veterans Day serice. Refreshments will be on hand following the ceremony.