Photos: Banner Day
“We know freedom isn’t free,” said Congressman Paul Tonko as Hometown Heroes Banners were unveiled at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland Saturday morning.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Twenty-eight banners depicting Guilderland veterans or those currently in military service — Paul Ableman, John Camadine, Todd J. Clark, Kenneth H. Clikeman, Gerald D. D’Amelia, Joseph T. DiMura Jr., Kyle A. Ellis, Harold J. Greene, Christopher D. Halloran, Kevin R. Hicks Sr., Nancy L. Kim, Roy W. LaDuke, Hector Millan, William P. Nardolillo, Thomas J. O’Hanlon, Alexander Olivares, Steven D. Oliver, Millard A. Orsini, Fred Philipp Jr., Walter Raab, Gerald N. Rieth, Francis Sheehan, Hollis L. Stedman, Daniel J. Travers, Christian T. Viola, Zachary J. Wacksman, Joseph J. Wier, Jr., Carter A. Wintle — line the light poles in Tawasentha Park and at the Guilderland Public Library.
Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber speaks at the start of the dedication ceremony. Michelle Viola-Straight, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce president, whose son is currently in service and depicted on a banner, along with former town highway superintendent and veteran Steven Oliver, also honored with a banner, spearheaded the project.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A banner honoring World War II veteran Fred Philipp Jr., hangs on a light pole as fire trucks from Guilderland and Guilderland Center suspend a huge American flag over the crowd assembling at Tawasentha Park.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
The next generation: United States Sea Cadets stand at attention next to American Legion Post 977 members near the traveling Vietnam wall.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A solemn moment: Logan Bennett, left, and Emma Russell from Albany High School are students at the Guilderland Music Academy, play taps.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Honoring officers killed in action, Viola-Straight, at the lectern, gestures as banners depicting Major General Harold J. Greene and Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark are unveiled.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
What so proudly we hailed: Guilderland High School student Julia Kuk starts Saturday’s ceremony by singing the national anthem in front of the “moving wall” of the Vietnam memorial.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Flags are held by Patriot Guard and Helderberg Legion Post 977 riders as they line the lawn near the pool at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland during Saturday’s Hometown Heroes banner dedication.