To the Editor:

It has been a busy season for The Westerlo Hometown Heroes Committee! We started off this spring by spreading mulch and planting perennials in Veterans’ Garden located in Westerlo Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Over the summer, we attempted to keep up with the weeding in between all the rain and planted some trees to line each side of the garden. Our first batch of engraved pavers have been delivered and we are waiting for a dry spell to properly place them.

Our committee would like to, once again, thank all our sponsors and donors for their contributions to Veterans’ Garden. Without their generosity this project would not have been possible and because of their gifts Veterans’ Garden cost the taxpayers nothing!

The committee has also partnered with Life Scout Drew Joslin and his project to create Heroes’ Way in Veterans’ Memorial Park. This is a walking trail paying tribute to our veterans and first responders and is a place for peaceful reflection.

The trail features dedicated benches and a kiosk offering resources on suicide prevention. It is because of dedicated, committed volunteers like Drew that Westerlo is such a spectacular place to live. Our committee and Drew would like to invite the community to attend the official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Heroes’ Way on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. in the park.

You will also be able to see representatives from our committee manning a table at Westerlo’s Fall Festival on Saturday Sept. 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the park. Our table will display all banners from previous years, information about our program, and engraved paver order forms. Stop by our table and say hello.

Our Hometown Heroes Committee is also actively planning our annual Banner Closing Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Westerlo. The event pays tribute to all new banner recipients for 2023 and honors all our veterans and first responders.

The event will include the elite drill team, Shock Platoon from Norwich University, guest speakers, and refreshments. The entire community is invited to join us for this moving and honoring event, free of charge.

Lastly, we are also planning our first Veterans Day Service on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 4:30 p.m. The service will be a unique sunset ceremony honoring all who have and are currently serving in our country’s Armed Forces.

The sunset service will be held in Veterans’ Garden at Westerlo Veterans’ Memorial Park and is also open to the public. There will be refreshments available for purchase.

Our committee has been working hard to recognize and honor all who have committed to make sacrifices for their country and community. We hope we will see you all at our events this fall. 

We welcome questions by calling or emailing us: Amie Burnside, chairperson, 518-396-8787; Lisa DeGroff, 518-396-0350, WesterloHometownHeroes@gmail.com.

Dates to remember:

— Sept. 10: Heroes’ Way Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony;

— Sept. 16: Westerlo’s Fall Festival;

— Nov. 4: Westerlo Hometown Heroes Banner Closing Ceremony; and

— Nov. 11: Veterans Day Sunset Service.

With gratitude to our veterans and first responders.

Amie Burnside

Chairperson, Westerlo Hometown Heroes