OXFORD – The American Legion’s top state-level officials traveled to Chenango County last Thursday as part of an annual visitation to each of New York’s 62 counties.

New York State’s American Legion Department Commander V. James Troiola, American Legion Department Auxiliary President Nancy Kurk, Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander John B. Rogers and National Executive Committeeman Richard Keiser were among the roughly 40 member delegation of state, district, county and local post representatives.

The group’s first stop was the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, where they had the chance to tour the new 220,000 square foot state-of-the art facility.

It wasn’t the facility, however, which attracted the most accolades. This honor was reserved for the veterans in residence, to whom the legionnaires paid tribute during their tour. Members of the volunteer organization thanked each of the residents they encountered for their years of service, often pausing to hand them a pin and listen to their stories.

There were emotional moments, such as when former Johnson City Mayor Frank Sweet shared his memories of Pearl Harbor.

“I’ll never forget,” the Air Force veteran said, recalling the sight of Japanese planes flying over on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.