‘Veterans Day’ Celebrations in the Southern Tier

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the men and women that "gave their all" to this country.  It's nice there is a day set aside that we can say "thank you" for giving us freedom.  And in the days ahead, there are many opportunities to do so.

Stop by Binghamton University's University Union for a moving exhibit featuring photos, stories and historical artifacts through Monday on the Vestal campus.

With Veterans Day officially on Sunday, Endicott will be holding special ceremonies at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, followed by the annual Veterans Day parade at 1 p.m. on Washington Avenue.  I have attended this event and it's truly inspiring.

Owego will host its traditional Veterans Day park service on the south side of the Tioga County Courthouse Sunday at 11 a.m. Churches will ring their bells 11 times at the ceremony’s start to honor veterans.

At 4 p.m. Sunday, the Newark Valley Historical Society will honor veterans and deceased veterans from Newark Valley, Berkshire and Richford at an appreciation dinner inside the Newark Valley Fire Station; call 642-9516 for reservations.

Admission to the 2 p.m. BU Bearcats’ basketball game is free Sunday for veterans in uniform or with ID. The game will be preceded by a color guard ceremony and recognition of veterans in attendance.

On Monday, Broome Community College will host a Veteran’s Day ceremony at 10 a.m., at the new, permanent veterans memorial in front of the Student Services Building. Ronald Harrington will be speaking on his fine service in Iraq and winning the Purple Heart.

Finally, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Veterans Health Administration and American Legion Post 1645 will hold a Veterans Stand Down from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion located at 177 Robinson Street, Binghamton. Veterans can find out more about housing, employment, counseling, health care and various other topics.  For more information, you can call: (607) 722-2393 for more information.

It's my hope that everyone will take the time to honor Veterans in our area.   Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your service.