Ripley holds Veterans Monument rededication

RIPLEY — On the first anniversary of the dedication of the Ripley Veterans’ Roll of Honor Monument, Nov. 11, more than 70 new veterans’ names were added to the Roll. The ceremony drew approximately 200 spectators, including New York State Senator Catharine Young. Following Ripley high school student vocalists Rachael Boll, Samantha Gardner and Theresa Davis, who sang the National Anthem, VFW Posts #2769 and 6764 performed the listing updates, assisted by the Ripley local Boy Scout troop. The rededication was a solemn and moving experience for those who attended. In his remarks, MSgt. Robert McIntosh, USMC, Retired, reminded the crowd that, “Before us are the names of 862 men and women of our community who served in the United States armed forces. We are here to honor them. We offer them and their memory our deepest respect and gratitude.” A call to ensure their service and sacrifice would not be diminished due to neglect or forgetfulness was made. Ripley Town Supervisor Pete Ryan made the opening remarks at the luncheon that followed at Meeder’s Restaurant. He spoke of the almost 125,000 U.S. World War II war dead who are interred on European soil, and the fitting tribute made in those cemeteries to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. State Sen. Catharine Young, the event’s keynote speaker, was introduced. “In all the time since I became involved in the building of this monument here in Ripley, this is the first time I’ve actually seen it,” she said. “It is a living and breathing monument. Sitting in the Chamber yesterday (NYS State Senate Chambers in Albany), with nothing happening, I wanted to be in Ripley. I am so proud of my district. I represent the best part of New York State.” Senator Young went on to thank the veterans and committees who worked so hard on the Brocton Moving Wall, as well as particular thanks to the veterans of WWII. “We hear talk a lot about the ‘greatest generation’ and we’re so grateful for what you’ve done to keep this country safe,” she added. Following the luncheon, Sen. Young spoke with many in the crowd, including 99-year-old Ripley resident, Edna Kofoed, who attended last year’s dedication as well as this year’s update. Ripley Veterans’ Roll of Honor Committee would like to extend special thanks to Westfield VFW Post 6764 Firing Detail Leon Durrance, James Irwin, Dennis Watson, Mike Watson, Bill Dulmas, Frank Rascilli and Jack McCutcheon; musicians Frank Werren and Jim Bow; Gohrs Printing and Melissa Galbraith; Trudy Babcock and the staff at Meeder’s Restaurant; Sen. Young for her unceasing support; and especially to Marie McCutcheon for all her work in continuously updating, editing and proofreading the roster boards on a living monument.