Honoring those who served on veterans day in Shelburne
Attendees at Monday’s Veterans Day ceremony visit the Shelburne Veterans Monument and read the brick markers inscribed with names of local veterans. Photo by Henry Rood.
About 20 people gathered Monday morning at the Shelburne Veterans Monument for a brief, appreciative ceremony to mark Veterans Day and dedicate two new additions to the memorial at the edge of the Shelburne Parade.
Col. Carroll A. “Bud” Ockert, USA, Ret. presided over the ceremony, speaking of the extraordinary character and great sacrifice veterans have made on behalf of their country.
“Veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share several qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, and integrity,” the 84-year old Vietnam War veteran said to the bundled gathering.
“We’re here to honor and commemorate, celebrate and recognize the men and women in uniform, past and present. We’re also here to remember the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, serving our country in a time of war,” he said.
The annual ceremony organized by the Shelburne Veterans Monument Committee included laying a wreath commemorating two new granite markers on each side of the entrance. The new 6-by-3 foot stones list the names of those from Shelburne who served in the military in World War I and World War II.
The pieces were carved at Granite Industries of Vermont in Barre and weigh approximately 1,800 pounds each.
World War II granite marker with the names of Shelburne service members. Photo by Henry Rood.
Shelburne Poet Laureate Rick Bessette recited a poem composed for the occasion:
Let Us Not Forget
Let us not forget these names,
Their sacrifices made.
Let us not forget the past,
The price they all have paid.
We know not scars you carry,
Of comrades you have lost.
Let us try to understand
What freedom really cost.
We can only give our thanks
To those with us today,
And to honor those we’ve lost
In a respectful way.
