VETERANS DAY ~ 2020

Last Evening, at the Orangetown Town Board Meeting,

Michael Lawler

, Deputy Town Supervisor, Town of Orangetown, New York, newly elected, State Assembly, New York, delivered the words I penned in Tribute to OUR VETERANS. Today, let us again reflect, and hold in gratitude, each Veteran, for their dedication to the American ideals of Freedoms and Rights onto all.

Thank You

Michael Lawler

for such a commendable delivery.

VETERANS DAY ~ 2020

'Tis the vision of freedom and valor within souls we hail

Homage, gratitude to OUR VETERANS ever, ever, to prevail

The gifts of LIFE with vision blessed and bold

This the giving within each Veteran's story told

Battlefields call to freedom's quest with divinity and a vision clear

And so blood and life sacrificed for liberation held dear

PRAISE to OUR VETERANS for all they defend

Sacrifices beyond what we may comprehend

In reverent celebration of OUR VETERANS, their sacrifices made

To defend our freedoms and liberties our founding fathers laid

The vision. the soulful quest, the perseverance, the heartfelt need

PEACE, FREEDOM, LIBERTY, beheld as America's living creed

And so to each Veteran, we in tribute give honor, and hail

For the held visions of FREEDOMS and RIGHTS to prevail.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

When I asked

Michael Lawler

for his personal statement, he offered these words in response... and so here shared ...

"On this Veterans Day, we reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the men and women who protect our country, our freedoms, and our way of life. We have gratitude in our hearts and keep them in our prayers, for they and their families sacrifice every day for us. In a year defined by challenge, difficulty, sacrifice, loss, and perseverance, let us always remember and honor those who serve and have served our country." ~

Michael Lawler