Norwich Boy and Girl Scout members recited the pledge of allegiance during the Veterans Day service. Norwich High School marching band and Boy Scouts members Joseph Hall and William Lindner also performed a rendition of "Taps." (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Members of the Christy Rock Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2782, of Norwich, hosted a Veterans Day service in East Park on November 11.

The service began with a bagpipe performance by Steven Cady, a retired member of the Norwich Fire Department. Afterwards, Post member Frank Revoir Sr. served as a master of ceremonies for the event, and welcomed community members, veterans, and special guests to the service.

“Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, honored guests, and veterans, on behalf of Christy Rock Veterans Post 2782, Norwich, New York, welcome to the 2021 Veterans Day services on this the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which marks the 103rd anniversary of Armistice Day, ending World War I,” said Revoir.

Special guests in attendance included City of Norwich Mayor Shawn Sastri, Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting Jr., Chenango County Judge Frank Revoir Jr., State of New York Supreme Court Justice Joseph McBride, members of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department, and members of the City of Norwich Police and Fire Departments.

The service also welcomed guest speakers, including the VFW Chaplain, Pastor Lex Danyluk, who read the invocation and benediction, and led visitors in prayer and a moment of silence.

“We gather today to remember our military. We acknowledge that their service enables us to walk freely and safely. Lord, we ask that you abundantly bless those who have previously served. May their service be rewarded in every way, and may they gain heavenly blessings for their selfless love for our great nation,” he said.

“Father, we stop now to remember those who are currently serving. We ask that you provide them with protection and strength. We ask that you protect their families. We ask that you remember our prisoners of war, our missing in action.”

Norwich Boy and Girl Scouts attended the service, and recited the pledge of allegiance. Daisy Troop 30187 also wrote a special message in honor of Veterans Day.

“I’d like to mention that Daisy Troop 30187 presented us with a reminder of Veterans Day,” said Revoir. “’Not all heroes wear a cape. Thank you veterans for all you’ve done. In our hearts, you’re number one. Love, Daisy Troop 30187.’”

Prior to the Veterans Day services, wreaths honoring World War I veterans were placed in front of the World War I monument in East Park. During the service, several other wreaths were placed in front of the stage and saluted by veterans and members of civic organizations.

The wreaths honored veterans of foreign and domestic wars, veterans of the war on global terror, disabled veterans, fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders, POW and MIA veterans, World War II veterans lost at sea, and Gold Star Mothers.

The wreath presentation was followed by a formal firearms salute from VFW and American Legion members, and a rendition of “Taps” performed by Norwich High School marching band and Boy Scouts members Joseph Hall and William Lindner.

Lastly, Patriot Guard Riders of New York member John Willis performed two songs, “Where Were You” by Alan Jackson and “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood.

Following the service, VFW Post 2782 welcomed attendees to their facility for lunch and refreshments.

“What is Veterans Day? The day is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in both war and peace time,” said Revoir. “We thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and to underscore that those who serve, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty.”