Veterans Park celebrated in Bethel

By FRITZ MAYER

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — Hundreds of residents, vets, firefighters and children were on hand on Veterans Day, November 11, at Veterans Park in Kauneonga Lake for veterans services and the dedication of the new flagpole.

Local veterans from VFW Post 5499 hoisted an American flag, which was provided by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, which had flown over the nation’s capital for a day at Hinchey’s request. A flag commemorating veterans who are missing in action was also raised.

Among the speakers at the event was Sullivan County chairman Chris Cunningham, who is stepping down from the legislature at the end of the year. He said that one of the things America can be proud of is its tradition of the “peaceful transitions of governments,” a tradition that had not taken hold in many countries, including Iraq, where American military personnel are struggling today.

Veterans Park was a central component of the Kauneonga Lake Sullivan Renaissance beautification program. The community received the program’s top prize, the $50,000 Golden Feather Award, at the Sullivan Renaissance awards ceremony on August 17.