Published: November 12, 2009 01:36 pm      

Honoring our veterans

Community comes together to pay tribute

ALBION — While the purpose of Veterans Day is to honor those who have fought for the U.S., it is impossible not to think about those who are still fighting for it today. Those soldiers, and the ones affected by the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, were on the minds of community members who gathered for a ceremony Wednesday morning at the Veterans Administration office in Albion.

With the flag flying at half-staff and a color guard and rifle squad standing at attention, town and county officials joined lawmakers and local veterans, their families and other residents to give thanks.

“On this day, a day we reserve every year, we remember that freedom is not free,” said state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane. “Thank you to all those who have served and who continue to serve — and also in a time of peace.”

Congressman Chris Lee, R-Clarence, explained that he had the opportunity recently to travel to Afghanistan, where he met with service men and women who are originally from Western New York.

“I did not hear one person who did not say they were proud to be American,” he said.

Fred Stelianou, an 83-year-old World War II Navy veteran, has been attending the Albion Veterans Day ceremony for years.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “It gets the veterans and the public leaders together.”

This year, Stelianou brought his 13-year-old grandson, Brandon Meiers. “I thought it would be nice to honor the veterans,” he said.

Other community members who were part of the ceremony were Pastor Timothy Lindsay, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and members of the county Legislature.

Following the ceremony was a presentation of medals at the American Legion, Sheret Post 35 in Albion.

This was the seventh year that Paul Fulcomer, director of the Veterans Service Agency of Orleans County, arranged the program.

He said the medal ceremony is especially important, “because a lot of veterans have never received their medals over the years.”

One of the medal winners was World War II veteran Michael Paduchak of Kendall, who brought his daughter and granddaughters to the program. He said it was important for the youngsters to come and learn about their history because they’re part of it.

“If someone doesn’t instill some part of patriotism in them now, then when?” he asked. Paduchak also said he looks forward to the annual program because he has a chance to mingle with some of the other veterans.

“I’m here as a World War II veteran to tell my story, because there is less and less of us around,” he explained. “When we’re gone, the stories are gone.”

Paduchak, who will turn 84 in December, is the son of “foreigners” and was drafted into the Army in 1944. “I was drafted — I wasn’t a hero to enlist,” he said.

The veteran added that while he didn’t sign up for the Army willingly, “After a while, that stigma is gone and you’re then an American serving your country.”

As for finally receiving his medals — 65 years later — Paduchak said, “I’m happy to finally get them — it’s here.”

Orleans County Legislator Gary Kent also spoke to the veterans and their family members Wednesday, saying, “Standing up and doing what is right is an American tradition, and I thank each and every one of you for doing that.”

Contact editor Holly Toal at 798-1400, ext. 8225.