CSEA members from across the state recently marked Veterans Day by holding ceremonies and participating in community parades and events. We thank all who have served, or are currently serving, in uniform, including many of our union members. Here is a look at some of the events.
- CSEA Long Island Region Veterans Committee members and guests recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a ceremony at Memorial Park in Hauppauge. Front, far left, Region Veterans Committee Chair Maryann Phelps leads the ceremony. Back row, from left to right, are committee members J.J. Kremm, Evelyn McFarland, Bill Parente, Long Island Region 1st Vice President Jarvis Brown and committee members Ed Pluchino, Larry Germano and Ed Hussey, holding American flag. The committee is also accepting donations of non-perishable food and personal care items as part of a holiday drive to benefit local veterans in need.
- From left to right, CSEA Long Island Region Veterans Committee member J.J. Kremm recites one of the many readings at the Long Island Region Veterans Day Ceremony, along with committee members Bill Parente and Steve Abramson.
- From left to right, Western Region Executive Vice President Tim Finnigan and Western Region and CSEA Statewide Veterans Committee Chair Amy Owczarczak stand next to a wreath of carnations at the Western Region Veterans Day ceremony at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
- Western Region President Steve Healy drops a carnation into the water to honor those lost serving our country during the Western Region Veterans Day ceremony at Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
- From left to right, CSEA SUNY Cortland Local 1st Vice President Tom Hingher and SUNY Morrisville Local President Steven Hyde carry the region’s banner as they lead our union’s delegation in the Syracuse Veterans Day Parade.
- CSEA Capital Region members and their families honored veterans by marching in the Albany Veterans Day Parade. Our union’s delegation poses at the start of the parade route. Front row, from left to right, Town of Colonie Unit B Treasurer John “Frenchie” Ekmalian, Capital Region Veterans Committee and New York State Teachers Retirement Local member Emily Biers, New York State Teachers Retirement Local member Anne Byerwalters, Capital Region Executive Vice President Shana Davis, Capital Region Veterans Committee member and Town of Colonie Unit B President Bill Alund, Capital Region Secretary Cindy Stiles, Capital Region President Ron Briggs, Albany County Local President Tom Edwards and Capital Region Veterans Committee Co-Chair John Crandell. Back row, from left to right, Capital Region Veterans Committee Co-Chair and Workers Compensation Board Local President Michele Kiuber and Benny Santos, waving flags.
- Broome County Developmental Center Local President Kelly Otis, in red shirt, shares a laugh with Central Region members marching in the Syracuse Veterans Day Parade.