Veterans honored for their service during annual celebration

ALBANY — Command Sgt. Maj. Regina Stone honored area veterans, thanking them for their sacrifice during her keynote address at a Veterans Day celebration at the Albany Civic Center Saturday afternoon.

The event, sponsored jointly by Albany American Legion Post 512, Marine Corps League Detachment 1260, American Legion Post 30, local Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans groups, the local Young Marines organization and the city of Albany’s Recreation and Parks department, had been planned for the Veterans Park Amphitheatre, but inclement weather forced the celebration inside.

“Without you, the veterans, I would not be where I am today,” Stone said. “I am humbled by your sacrifice; you paved the way for me.

“Saying thank you is not enough. Because of you, a younger generation of warriors is stepping in to fill your shoes.”

The annual celebration was brought to life by veteran L.C. Williams with Post 512, who served active duty in Iraq and Bosnia.

“From my perspective, there are things being taken now from our veterans,” Williams said. “These are men and women who sacrificed for their country, and they deserve to be honored; they deserve these benefits that are being taken from them.

“I thought a program like this would give them some of the recognition they deserve.”

Merry Acres Middle School JROTC student and Young Marine Jamontra Mack was one of a group of volunteers from the latter group that handed out flags and welcomed guests to Saturday’s event.

“We learn (in both organizations) about leadership, teamwork and discipline,” Jamontra said. “Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity for us to use the things we’ve learned.”

Albany City Manager Steven Carter welcomed all who attended the celebration.

“I want to thank all of our veterans, and I also want to thank their families,” Carter said. “Many people don’t realize the sacrifices that both groups made so that we could be here today.”

In addition to Stone’s address, the program included a stirring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Gail Drake, a saxophone rendition of “My Country Tis of Thee” by Bobby Hand, the presenttaion of colors by the Westover High School JROTC color guard, the Pledge of Allegience led by Boy Scouts from local Troups 3 and 13 and a tribute to American armed forces by the Albany Chorale.