The traditional Veterans Day is celebrated Sunday, but events to honor those who have served in the military start today and continue into next week.
Today, Otego Elementary School is celebrating with a program starting at 8:15 a.m. in the gym, organizer Terri Horan said. All veterans are welcomed for a program intended to make the day more meaningful to the students. After coffee and donuts, veterans will be invited to go into classrooms to talk to students.
At Franklin Central School, the celebration is part of the elementary morning program. After the breakfast for veterans, which starts at 7:30 a.m., the event starts at 8:15 with students in grades pre-K through 6 singing patriotic songs, business manager Kellie Renwick said. Superintendent Gordon Daniels will offer some thoughts on recognizing local veterans.
State Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, will join Margaret Central School students at 8:30 a.m. for their Veterans Day ceremony.
South Kortright Central School will hold its annual program at 1:45 p.m. at Harbaugh Hall. It’s presented by students in the high school government class, teacher Megan Eklund said. The students will learn about flag etiquette and other subjects, and the public is welcome to join in. A book containing interviews with veterans will be presented.
On Sunday, events in Oneonta include 11 a.m. traditional ceremonies to be held in Neahwa Park, Legion Commander Len Carson said. The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sons of the American Legion will be among the organizations represented. Carson will be among the speakers. The public is welcome to return to the Oneonta Vets Club at 12:30 p.m. for an open house presented by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
The Oneonta Community Concert Band will present its annual Salute to Veterans Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday in St. Mary’s Parish Center on Walnut Street in Oneonta. It’s free and open to the public.
The concert program will include “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Overture Courageous” and Freelance March “On to Victory.” Joining the band will be two vocal soloists — soprano Rebecca Sabin and bass Steven Markuson — for “Will You Remember Me” from “Maytime” and other pieces.
The Delhi American Legion will hold its traditional ceremony at Courthouse Square at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no music to avoid interference with nearby church services, Commander Walter Roye said. At 1 p.m. all veterans are invited for refreshments from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Legion located at 41 Page Ave..
At 7 p.m. Monday, the Worcester Historical Society, located at 144 Main St., will feature trustee Larry DeLong speaking about two local soldiers during the Civil War who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Delevan Bates went from his job as a clerk in a Worcester store to being a 24-year-old brigadier general in the Union Army. Richard C. Mangan was an Irish-born cabinet maker from Decatur who was in at least 19 Civil War battles.
On Wednesday, the annual Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the Oneonta Community Christian School, Principal Jane Cook said. At 1:30 p.m. in the school’s all purpose room, veterans are invited to come and share their stories with the students.
“It makes history come alive,” she said.
