written by Gerry Pothier, maintenance supervisor
On Veterans Day all were invited to participate in a ceremony to honor and thank nine of our Residents who served in the United States Armed Forces. The event was planned and organized by the local chapter of American Legion Riders (ALR), from Post #19 on Highland Avenue, with huge support from our Activities and Dietary departments.
Gerry Pothier, president of ALR Chapter 19 began with a welcome and a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an introduction of participating members and Ward 3 alderman Bob McWatters. One of our recipients, Father David White offered an invocation. Gerry outlined the purpose and mission of American Legion Riders as supporting veterans and veterans’ causes in many different facets. After a short history on the significance of Veteran’s Day and how it came to be, Sister Elizabeth Ann offered a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. A moment was reserved for Frank Stanton, USA, WWII-one of our recipients who passed on to God on October 25th. The eight living Resident Veterans (seven men and one woman), were then presented and thanked individually, each receiving a framed honor certificate designating their name, rank, branch of service and conflict where applicable. Each was emblazoned with the American Legion emblem and their service emblem, signed and attested on this date, November 11, 2015. They are:
Joseph F. McConnell, USN (Quartermaster Third Class) WWII (Life Member-Post 19)
Vincent A. McCarthy, USN Seabees (1st Class Steelworker) WWII
William R. Sullivan, USA (Cpl) Korea
Rev. David P. White, USMC (Capt) Vietnam Era, our assistant chaplain
Brother Bernard Russell,SSJE, US Army Air Corps WWII
Eugene Caponigro, US Army Air Corps WWII
Geraldine Mossman, USN WAVE (Hospital Apprentice) WWII
John Kolb, USA (Cpl) Korea
It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of this memorable day and we look forward to making it an annual event.
