Letter to Editor: Let's Thank Veterans Who Gave to Our Country

[Editor's note: The following letter was submitted by Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh.]

Having participated in this year’s and observing such a solemn day with throngs of Ridgewood residents, it made me proud of our community.  

The following day at the crack of dawn as we’ve done so many years in the past, Ridgewood Girl and Boy Scout troops met up with Commander Paoli and other Legionnaires to remove the American flags from the Valleau cemetery. The flags are removed each year so that they are not damaged in the winds and snow of winter.  They are properly destroyed by the Legion at a later date. It doesn’t take long, maybe an hour a year to remove them and then a few hours again in the spring to place new ones.  

Each Veteran’s grave receives a flag. This year, while the sun beat down on a chilly morning, with coffee in hand I walked the cemetery trying to read as many stones as possible. I wanted to pay respect to these heroes who’ve served our country with honor. Some died during the wars, some lived to ripe old ages and presumably died after a life well lived.  

The common thread is their service to our Country. I’ve made this a tradition with my children and they look forward to participating every year. I encourage all residents of Ridgewood to participate in the spring as we place the flags back on the graves. You don’t need to be a Girl or Boy Scout, you only need to have reverence for our servicemen and women and pride for our country.   

Thank you Commander Paoli, the American Legion and all the residents who participated in this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony and flag removal at Valleau. You honor our country with your dedication.