To the Editor:

Our Hometown Heroes Committee has planned our seventh annual Banner Closing Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2  at 2 p.m. at The First Baptist Church of Westerlo.

The event pays tribute to all new banner recipients for 2024 and honors all our veterans and first responders. The event will include the elite drill team, Shock Platoon, from Norwich University; special guest speaker Petty Officer Third Class Richard Stark of the United States Navy; and refreshments.

The entire community is invited to join us for this moving and honoring event, free of charge.

Additionally, the committee will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Sunset Service in Veterans Garden located in Veterans Memorial Park at 950  County Route 401 in Westerlo. The brief service will begin at 5 p.m. The service will be a unique sunset ceremony honoring all who have and are currently serving in our country’s armed forces.

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

Dates to remember:

— Nov. 2: Westerlo Hometown Heroes Banner Closing Ceremony; and

— Nov. 11: Veterans Day Sunset Service

With gratitude to our veterans and first responders.

Lisa DeGroff

Westerlo Hometown

Heroes Committee