 So good to be with you this morning. I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces and we're here again This is November 10th tomorrow we know is Veterans Day, and we're here to commemorate Veterans Day as we normally do here in Battery Park So I'm really pleased to be with you. I am Reverend Mark Hughes. I am the executive director Of the Racial Justice Alliance, I'm also local minister, but most importantly I am the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post-782 I'm proud to serve and also taken as an awesome responsibility. So welcome all of you who are here to commemorate with us on this hollow ground in this solemn moment at 11 o'clock on this day As we commemorate Veterans Day. So Welcome to you all and if you would join me, please as As you would face the colors for the pledge of allegiance I Pledge allegiance to the flag the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands One nation under God Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for that. Please remain facing and we will now hear the national anthem Congrats present I'm pleased to introduce first of all a good friend of the Veterans of Foreign War and also a good personal friend as well The mayor of the great city of Burlington who's who's been mayor now for I believe about 12 years here in the city of Burlington I'm proud to introduce to you here on his home turf Our favorite mayor mayor Merrill Weinberger Thank you mark. Thank you to the VFW post for once again bringing us together like this Thank you all for coming out and being part of it. I want to Know it and welcome my son the speaker of the house Jill Quincy has joined us as well as Ward 6 city counselor Joan Shannon. Thank you for joining us as well For 12 years, it's been as mark said it's been my honor to honor You hear every veterans day to reflect on Vermont's and Burlington's proud tradition of military service And to honor the millions of Americans who have served in our armed forces If you two have been committed to coming to these battery park events You will have heard me tell the story of my grandfather Teddy a number of times by now But I hope you'll indulge me once more because I do always think of them on this day Teddy served in World War two He went ashore in Normandy about a month after D-Day and then he was soon on the front lines in France as The allies retook the country and then pushed the Nazis back towards Germany Just a few months into his deployment on what was then known as armistice day November 11th 1944 my mother Ethel was born back here in the States I will say as quick as I since I think for the first time ever this event is happening on November 10 I'm gonna get to be down there in Heartland with her on her birthday, which never happens So I appreciate that the break in tradition there Fortunately Teddy survived the war and returned to America and to his family and he got to spend many happy years with the family I was the oldest of his grandchildren and was fortunate to get to know him as a wonderful storyteller and a very gentle and decent man However, he never got back that chance to be there for the birth of his first child so many veterans Vermont veterans families have similar stories of sacrifice and Too many of course have lost far more than our family did To the veterans here with us today and to your families I am proud to stand on behalf of a grateful city and say thank you For all that you've done to keep Burlington and to keep Vermont safe I'm grateful for your dedication to our country and I'm proud of your accomplishments in your service the city owes you so much and As senator Sanders always reminds us and I'm sure we'll hear again a moment Veterans deserve our support and respect not just today, but every day and in that spirit in my time as mayor I've been committed to ending the shameful reality of veterans homelessness and While we face unprecedented challenges with homelessness right now We have made significant progress towards that goal And I'm proud to once again be working with the VFW post 782 as we pursue our Goal of ending all unsheltered homelessness and in a very tangible way this week year right now We are working together To open a new warming shelter at the VFW property in about a month and next spring the existing building is going to come down and together VFW the city and Champlain housing trust are going to build new affordable apartments, which will include veterans housing And a new home for the VFW on that site and it's very exciting to be getting close to the groundbreaking on that day in my first years as mayor when grappling with the day-to-day challenges of here in Burlington the Battlegrounds of our past foreign wars often felt Distant increasingly distant Today the horrors of war are very present in our lives every day We are confronted with images of war in allied nations in Europe in the Middle East The men and women of Ukraine are paying the ultimate sacrifice in this long war Against President Putin that is crickled for our safety here in America And now it's the innocent people of Israel and Palestine living in terror following Hamas's horrific attack is Once again clear that at times all that separates us from a world dominated by tyranny and terrorism is The willingness of free people to fight for liberty We are grateful of course that it is not our soldiers fighting today on the front lines of democracy How we must stand with those resolutely in aid and in spirit with those who are In these conflicts we see a fresh reminder of how important it is that so many Americans are willing to wear the uniform and Defend the values and safety of this country Standing with you twice a year on Memorial Day and on Veterans Day has been one of the great honors of these past 12 years and I want to be clear I will do everything I can to ensure the next bear Burlington understands and continues this important tradition which I believe dates back at least the time when Mayor Sanders was in this office and Again, I want to say thank you to all of you and happy Veterans Day Thank you Mayor Weinberger So good to have you here with us again yet again. We can I know we can always count on you being present My favorite senator is here today Senator Bernie Sanders say no more Thank You Mark, and let me thank Mark and Michelle helping to organize the event in the VFW once again Reminding us of the importance of Veterans Day I think I've been here since the early 80s When I was mayor of the city and what I have believed then and what I believe now at the end of the day There is nothing more than we can ask of a human being Then to put their lives on the line to defend Us and other human beings. There's nothing more than we can ask of anybody and that's what veterans have done For so many years and that is what they are doing today. So today is a day To say thank you to the millions and millions of veterans Who have defended our country who have put their lives on the line? And it's something that it's we will never forget and it's important that our kids and grandchildren Understand as well As a longtime member of the Senate Veterans Committee I have done my best to make sure that We provide all of our veterans with the health care and the benefits to which they are entitled to And I'm very proud that just last year we passed the PACT Act Which finally said to all of our soldiers who served around Toxic environments where the wounds may have been invisible But people died of cancer and other diseases because they inhaled all kinds of toxicity That we are going to provide the health care and the benefits that you are entitled to we passed that and Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of veterans in Vermont throughout this country are now taking advantage of that program Also, I'm happy to tell you that we're making progress here in Vermont In expanding and improving community-based outreach clinics for our veterans. We have a wonderful clinic right here in Burlington But because veterans are using it in large numbers as they should we're going to need a new clinic and I think in the Very near future. We're going to see construction of a new clinic and I'm proud of that At the end of the day as a nation We have got to come together around values of justice and of peace and to make that happen We are going to need a People who are prepared to sacrifice and that's what our veterans are doing. So once again, I want to From the bottom of my heart to thank all of the many women who have who are serving in the military And pledge to continue to working with them to make sure that life is as good as possible for them Thank you very much At the post I got a look camera ready forgive my voice But mark has extended me the privilege And as well as one of our longtime members Robert Colby senior The opportunity to thank senator Sanders for his many years of support to veterans And military members and so with that senator senator, we recognize how much many want in terms of your influence in the in Congress and with all the the the fame that you have grown to Experience over the years You have not forgotten veterans and to us that is meaningful because often we are forgotten So thank you for your dedication and support to us your thank you for your service has translated into meaningful actionable Programs and benefits and we will never forget you. Thank you, sir Thank you Michelle and thank you Bob for the remarks in the presentation Now we'll have remarks offered on behalf of senator Peter Welch We have mr. James McNerney here a lead case worker for the veterans issues. Hi. Good morning. All my name is James McNerney I'm the lead case worker for veterans issues in senator Welch's Burlington office He sends his regrets that he couldn't be here today, but he asked me to share the following remarks on his behalf So today we gather here to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our great nation veterans day is a time for us to express our gratitude our admiration and our respect for those who have answered the call of duty and it's an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact these heroes have had on our lives and for our freedom Vermont has had a long history and a proud history of service and sacrifice When our nation was in danger our citizens Demonstrate again and again tremendous bravery and commitment to the principles of freedom that are at the heart of our democracy With Vermonters often leading that charge We're fortunate to have such courageous men and women among us willing to step forward and make that ultimate sacrifice In defense of our values in defense of our communities and for each of us individually at the forefront of our gratitude We must never forget the unimaginable challenges and hardships that are endured by our service members our veterans and their families They carry both physical and emotional scars and yet they continue to stand tall as role models of strength and resilience for all of us But as we all know their commitment and our admiration does not and cannot end there Let us all take a minute to to honor and reflect upon the unique bond between our veterans who through their shared experience of wearing the uniform Are able to assist support and understand those challenges and hardships in ways that none of us will ever be able to So to our service members and veterans you have shown us the meaning of selflessness of courage and of honor and in doing so We owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid in Closing today and tomorrow our days for each of us to reach out in love and in support and gratitude to those veterans Who have made such an impact in our lives and it's also an opportunity for us to be mindful Not only of the folks we honor here today this morning But of the need to be mindful of their sacrifices on each and every day hereafter So again on behalf of the senator, thank you to all of our veterans We owe you a debt of gratitude and we will never be able to repay it. Thank you very much Thank you Mr. McNerney, and and we Please send our regards to senator Welsh and and let him know we're we're still here Fighting the fight for him now. We have remarks offered on behalf of congresswoman congresswoman Becca balance office We have an old friend here mr. David sure Good morning everybody The congresswoman very much regrets that she couldn't be here today, but she did want me to stay these remarks on her behalf Today as we gather to commemorate veterans day. We honor and remember the brave Americans who have served to protect our nation Veterans day is about paying tribute to the courage Dedication and selflessness of our service members while recommitting to a future that upholds the ideals they fought for America's soldiers sailors airmen and Marines serve the cause of a nation striving for justice Where the rights and dignity of all are protected they serve to protect the ideal of a nation where every voice is heard Let's honor them by continuing the fight for a more perfect union where no one is left behind We can fully honor our veterans only by ensuring that we serve and care for them when they return from duty Caring for our veterans is just as much a cost of war as the munitions needed to fight And we must never forget to do whatever is required to provide for those who have borne the battle We should also recognize the sacrifices of their families back home the mothers and fathers Spouses and children who carry the weight of their absence and support our troops from home On this veteran's day I'm reminded of the principles that unite us as Americans words like liberty and justice for all Must be more than a line in the pledge of allegiance, but a reality we constantly strive for Let us also serve our veterans by continuing the work that remains to live up to the highest ideals of the nation They serve to protect I extend my deepest gratitude to the veterans of Vermont and across our country Your unwavering dedication to our shared values inspires us all We pledge to never forget or leave behind all of you who have served. Thank you It's good to see some old faces too along with the new faces and David sure is definitely one of the old faces. Good to see you Now we've come to a time where we're gonna have a little bit of fun So here's what I want you to do. So how many how many folks are here are? Retired or Former service members or I think we're all always service members, but service members raise your hand Okay, so we've got the illustrious and industrious Larry Holt here with us today And we're going to play a medley of the service songs. So Larry let's do it My father who a brother served in the 252nd engineer combat So when you hear your song the song that represents this the service that you served in if you could just wave your hand or something Like that. So we know you're here. Let's keep it fun. Let's keep it real. Okay. Let's go Larry It just didn't to the Air Force folks from an army guy, we'd never really liked you very much Okay, just saying I wanted to acknowledge a couple folks and one in particular There's a there's greatness amongst us and I believe some of you are Know about the history of the Parmalo family In the community Some of you Have had, you know different dealings and experiences with them and you've also seen how Gracious and how generous this family has been and how instrumental In just how impactful this family has been in this community and well, I came to tell you Today that they've also been very generous and incredibly supportive of post-782 Howard plant here in the city of burlington the oldest veterans of foreign war in this state not only Did urney Expand upon his his father's Vision and in business, but he's also continued to walk in that path of just graciousness and kindness and and and how he's contributed to The work that we've done. There's simply not enough time to explain all of these things to you But I'll give it a shot. So um, there's um I know we've we've spent some time With Bernie even with this latest endeavor that the mayor mentioned In providing us advice on how to move forward and entering into this redevelopment project huge Huge in supporting us in in those endeavors as well as um, even literally just You know Bringing will barrels of money over to well, I mean, maybe not that much but but but just being so instrumental in in advice And support It's the kindness of somebody's time And insight that truly says thank you to veterans for their service. So um Ernie get up here. I want to talk to you for a minute. Uh, come up here, Jim, please Give it up I said, can I hug you and Ernie looks at me like, huh? So, uh, Jim, can you please come up? So this this is going to seem kind of dopey at first But we were trying to figure out, you know, what we could do Just to say, hey man, thanks. You know, we we just want to you know It's sometimes it's okay to pick up the phone Maybe send a note across text you or something. Hey, thanks But we want to acknowledge you we want to acknowledge you in front of everybody out here So everybody can see and appreciate, you know, who who you are and what you mean to us You are a very very important element of the work that's not just being done in community But also behind the scenes the stuff that you guys never hear about Ernie's behind and he's been huge for us. So thank you, uh, Jim Please Ernie's a friend from high school Our paths have crossed Over the decades Okay Our paths have crossed over the decades and I'm glad they're crossing again today uh Ernie and his father have been long time Friends and patrons of the post most recently as mark said He gave us a contribution toward our Redevelopment expenses by paying some appraisers fees for us And it's much appreciated Ernie, I know you do this all the time, but it's a big deal to us. Thank you Huge deal If I could just say one thing Mark, it was very kind for what you said, but the reality is Mine was such a tiny contribution in what veterans provide for this country We partnered with the vfw for 40 years My heart is open. I've been proud to be a part of it I joined bernie and morrow and the rest of the team Our thanks is to you not to me So but but thank you. It was very kind words, but we're here for you always. Thanks Please accept this coin on behalf of our As a token of our appreciation for your gift. This is a coin of how we plant point post 782. Thank you so much Thank you Ernie Thank you, sarah and uh jim. Can you please uh sarah and al can you please come up? Thank you We we took this as an opportunity also to recognize some of our post members as as well as our Our leadership team come on up here These these but no they didn't expect it. No this that I'm going to always get somebody off guard So I I want to introduce you um To al belluci as well as sarah tolos These these are key players sarah is my senior vice commander and I can't do anything without her So sarah, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you do and how you contribute to the team And al you're my guy You just miss So Wow, it's um time has gone by uh, we're a little bit ahead of schedule, but I'm not going to take advantage of it You're still going to get out of here um Ladies and gentlemen and distinguished guests and fellow veterans and cherished cherished community members It is with profound gratitude In a deep sense of honor Did I stand before you today as the commander of Howard plant post 782 Veterans of foreign wars the oldest post in vermont Now on on this veterans day We're gathering not only to honor the sacrifices of our veterans but to reflect on the enduring values That have shaped our great nation Now As a baptist minister As well as the executive director of the vermont racial justice alliance co-chair Of the vermont health equity commission I've witnessed a lot of complexities of our society It's a privilege to share with you today especially On the recent 34th anniversary of the fall of the berlin wall A moment in history when I stood in those gates And experienced the winds of change We gather here to pay homage to the soldiers and the airmen and the sailors and the marines and the coast guard Who stood at the gates Providing the security and the protection Of this great nation Their tradition of dedication and sacrifice has been the bedrock Upon which our freedoms stand Today we express our deepest respect and appreciation For their service Now in recognizing our veterans We must acknowledge the consistent and unwavering contributions Of black service members Throughout this nation's history Despite the nation's struggle to fully realize our articulated aspirations of liberty and justice for all Black members have stood tall Making immeasurable contributions To our military Their dedication commitment And sacrifice embody The true spirit of service As we reflect on our collective history It is essential to acknowledge The hand of god in all that we have experienced In the face of adversity and uncertainty our faith Has been a guiding light Providing strength and solace to those who've served and to our nation As a whole Here in burlington Our vfw post alongside esteemed individuals like senator sanders like mayor morrow weinberger And other representatives Of our congressional delegation It plays a vital role In our community In response to the challenges posed by covid-19 pandit the covid-19 pandemic Our post became a beacon of hope by transforming into a community resource center Looking ahead Our commitment to service remains unwavering Plans are underway as you've heard to establish an overnight low barrier shelter for the houseless over the winter An embodiment of our belief in leaving no one behind Additionally, we're proud to announce the plans of this multi-use facility That's going to produce mixed use housing units in a new home for The community justice center In the coming years Now these initiatives they underscore the enduring spirit of our veterans and their commitment to the well-being of our community Now as we celebrate veterans day Let us not only remember the sacrifices Of the past but also recognize the transformative power of service in shaping a brighter future for all So thank you Thank you to our veterans Thank you. Thank you to our community partners In all those who believe in the value That define us as a nation May we continue to stand united proud of our history And dedicated to the future filled with compassion justice and prosperity for all Happy veterans day. It may god bless you all I've got one additional presentation Larry get over here Yeah, you You gotta say something about this guy Your musicianship is genius Your ability to collaborate with us. I know I've asked you to do some Things that you hadn't thought that you would do before and you Decided that you would use your gift To honor us and I thank you so much Your partnership has been Um Well before I joined the organization how many years? Too many right for to remember but once again When people say more when people say thank you for your service to veterans That means something to us, but when people say I would like to join you. I would like to be a partner with you How can I use my gifts and talents my time? My wisdom to help Make your life a little better back home after your service That's the kind of that's the kind of magic That sticks with us that inspires us That creates community that we all need So thank you for being part of the veteran community larry over these years and we would like to Also offer you one of our unit our post coins We would like to give us one last number This concludes the commemoration Uh two two thousand and twenty three uh veterans day. Thank you all for coming again. Happy veterans day I would like to thank everyone that comes to our veterans Day ceremony My name is Ramona Gordon I'm from post seven 182 salary in Burlington It's an honor for me for years To be How many years 67 years The oldest member of the being EFW the state of Vermont I would also like to thank All my students of the BFW and post seven 82 And every One that has came all the years to battery park Thank you Hi, I just want I'm Joan Shannon And I just want to say happy veterans day to all of the veterans Express my appreciation for the sacrifice that you have all made I have deep appreciation for my own family members who are serving and have served In our armed forces And there's really no greater gift than you can give that you can give Than the gift of yourself in service of our country. Thank you It's a special day here in Burlington. It always has been I don't think I've missed one or more in the last 10 or 12 years and to come down to honor our veterans And And uh, you know, I know, you know, we should honor them every day. I mean in reality That's what we really should do. Uh, but that doesn't happen But uh, be able to come down here and uh share stories and talk with people and Really understand the commitment that these veterans made for all of us, right? And the sacrifice they gave us and I'm proud to be living in a city that recognizes that, you know, we need to take care of our veterans And currently in Burlington right now. We're we're building a facility that would help home some of the veterans How some of the veterans and I hope we continue to work I know we have a lot of committed people in the community. Ernie Pomolo was here today You know, uh, Bernie Sanders, Senator Sanders was here, Merle Weinberger There's a lot of people in this community that care about our veterans And I think that's important and I think that's one of the reasons why I've always said that Burlington is a very special place to live Okay, I'm here. I'm At veterans day in Burlington 2023 At the moment that my sisters in Gaza are being bombed And their children are being killed often under Concrete falling on their heads And these Bombs that are falling on them and these airplanes flying over them Are provided by the u.s. Military and I'm just wishing that the veterans here Who have served their country? will think about the Devastation that war causes and that they will join the peace movement And speak out now for a ceasefire a ceasefire in Gaza and a Way to arrange for Israelis and Palestinians To live together That has to be determined and our country will play a big role in that Thank you