WALTON - The Truman B. Toby American Legion Post 32 Walton and Frank Mead Eells Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 270 celebrated Veterans Day with a parade through the village of Walton on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The parade began on Gardiner Place and traveled to the World War II memorial at the former armory on Stockton Avenue, where a prayer was offered by Pastor Robert Wilke, representing Plymouth Church and the Walton Ministerial Association. “Hold in your heart and remember the cost of freedom,” Wilke said.
The flag was raised by Boy Scout Graham Jackson, 11, and American Legion Post Commander Len Rutherford Jr, and a gun salute performed, following remarks from Retired U.S. Army National Guard Lt. Col. Joe Cetta.
“There is an immense sense of pride for those who have worn this uniform,” Cetta said. “I donned this uniform for many years and each time I put this uniform on, I had a very deep, extreme sense of pride. I felt I was doing my part for this great nation of ours.” Cetta acknowledged each of the veteran participating in the parade. “You did your part.”
“We did not serve for ourselves, we served for the greater cause. - the greater cause of a democracy.”
He concluded his remarks quoting General Dwight D. Eisenhower. “Duty. Honor. Country. Three hallowed words that dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be.”
He also quoted John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Claudia Pemberton.
The Grand Marshal was Richard Grossman. The Walton Central School marching band, Walton Girl and Boy Scouts and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, among others, participated in the parade and ceremony.
