Color Guard units from Tri-States Naval Ship Post 7241 and Port Jervis Police Department are pictured between two veterans of recent military service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

By Sharon E. Siegel

PORT JERVIS — Port Jervis has always been a community that honors its heroes, and last week’s Veterans Day Parade and ceremonies provided the opportunity to do so once again.  As units of veteran organizations, scouts, community groups, marching bands, jeeps and escort vehicles paraded from Port Jervis Middle School along Main and Pike Streets to Veterans Park, families, school groups, and individuals cheered and applauded America’s service men and women.

Despite the chilly November 11th temperature, hundreds lined the sidewalks and park to salute and pay tribute to current and past military efforts, both locally and throughout the country as a whole.

On hand to address those gathered were local, county, and state elected officials, veteran representatives, and former longtime Congressman Ben Gilman.  Each spoke of the great sacrifices made by members of America’s armed forces and their families, and the powerful impact of their service on protection of American freedoms.

Orange County Legislator-elect Dennis Simmons, himself a veteran of foreign war, who acted as Master of Ceremonies praised not only the veterans present but also those who turn out each year to show their support.

These included local school bands and choral groups, scouts, fire and police department representatives, music groups, community service organizations, and residents.

Members of each branch of the armed forces were called upon to stand during a medley of patriotic songs, and two local servicemen were singled out for special honors for both past and continued service.

Vincent Livingston and Daniel Dwyer were each presented with plaques by Rosa-Fleming VFW Post 161 Commander Ray Kahmar, in a surprise tribute paid for decades of dedication and service to the Tri-States area and its many veterans.  The awards were presented by Kahmar on behalf of Roosa-Fleming VFW Post 161, Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, James C. Bilz American Legion Post #685.

Dwyer, who served with the U.S. Army, has held countless positions in the VFW and served as longtime editor of the NYS Veterans News.  He is also a past editor of the Union Gazette and an active member and leader in many community organizations.  Livingston, who served with U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Nassau CVE #16 from 1944-1946, is a past commander of the Orange County Council and past Captain of the Tri-States Naval Ship #7241.  He recently received a 70-year service pin for continuous service to scouting, beginning with his teens, and he is also active in many community and church organizations and projects.

Refreshments were served at the local veteran posts where the camaraderie and veteran remembrances continued.

Scouts from Girl Scout Troop #491 wore authentic period uniforms from the 1920’s and 1930’s to pay tribute to veterans of all ages. Pictured: L-R, Leader Danielle Wright, Junior Scouts Shealyn Bidgau, Marissa Wright, Sabrina Edwards, and Ashley Adamsky. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Color Guard units from Tri-States Naval Ship Post 7241 and Port Jervis Police Department are pictured between two veterans of recent military service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Dan Dwyer (left) of VFW Post # 161 and Vince Livingston (right) of Tri-States Naval Ship #7241, both longtime active veterans and members of many local service organizations, were honored for decades of service to the community. They were presented plaques on behalf of the VFW, the Naval Ship, and the American Legion by VFW Commander Ray Kahmar. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America took time to visit several monuments in the park and to remember comrades killed in battle. They are pictured with, third from left, former Congressman Ben Gilman who made many trips to foreign countries to assist with diplomatic and military matters. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Members of the local Elks organization carried a gigantic American flag and were among the many local community service groups on hand to salute the service of America’s veterans. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Among the youngest parade participants were these lively majorettes from the Broome Street Traveling All-Star Band. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Members of the Port Jervis High School Band provided lively marching music as well as patriotic music for ceremonies held in Veterans Park. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Cub Scout Pack 173 scouts carried flags and saluted local veterans for their service. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)