Veterans Day 2023
In recognition of Veterans Day last weekend, we hosted hikes with Another Summit on the Popolopen Torne Loop (with the living monument at its peak), a breakfast for veterans with Congressman Pat Ryan, and a public Veterans Day Ceremony at the Beacon VMB (GR HQ) on Saturday, November 11.
“The Great War” (now called World War I) ended in June 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. However, an armistice (agreement to stop fighting) had already taken effect on November 11, 1918 — on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
We continue to observe Veterans Day on November 11, taking the opportunity to celebrate our veterans and honor their service & sacrifices, in both war & peace.
(Learn more about the History of Veterans Day, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Popolopen Torne Loop Hikes
Our outdoor adventure program, Another Summit, led two hikes on the Popolopen Torne Loop (also known as “The Torne”), just outside of West Point, NY, on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The trail has gained significance and a following due to the living monument located at its peak that’s dedicated to fallen soldiers:
The Trail of the Fallen is a short but steep section of the Timp-Torne Trail that climbs and descends Popolopen Torne in Bear Mountain State Park… rocks, some as heavy as 200 pounds, have been carried up to the summit of The Torne and placed in memory of soldiers who have died in recent military conflicts. Most of the stones are painted with names of soldiers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The stones are stacked as a tribute to these fallen servicemen and women. Two 400 pound memorial benches in honor of two West Point graduates killed in Afghanistan, were carried up the mountain and bolted in place. (Scenes from the Trail)
Our Outdoor Leaders Jesse and Craig led groups on the short 1 mile trail loop, which is quite steep in some parts and requires climbing on short sections of rope, but it has a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top.
Veterans Breakfast with Congressman Ryan
On Friday, we hosted Congressman Pat Ryan and his team at our HQ for a Veterans Breakfast, where we had over 100 veterans and their families.
Congressman Ryan shared a press release:
Joined by veterans and community leaders, Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) announced on Friday that he has bipartisan support for a bill to fix a loophole that shortchanged American soldiers who were held captive by North Koreans during the Korean War.
The issue was brought to Congressman Ryan’s attention by Korean War POW Ray Mellin, 95, and Dick Randazzo, both of Cornwall. Ryan is trying to rectify the issue with the passage of the “Never Forgotten Korean War POW Act.”
Randazzo said the change is not about the money owed, but the recognition to the men who served and were taken captive. “Now, I think finally, after 70 years, these surviving Korean War POWs will be given what they were entitled to 70 years ago when they left,” he said.
After the breakfast, members of Guardian Revival who are on Congressman Ryan's veterans committee spent 2 hours discussing veterans issues and meaningful ways to support the veteran community, locally and nationally.
New York City Veterans Day Parade
Our Director of Outreach and FDNY Firefighter (and veteran) Jared Shoemaker marched in the NYC Veterans Day Parade, accompanied by Everest, one of our therapy dogs in training.
The New York City Veterans Day Parade is the largest Veterans Day commemoration in the nation. Nearly 300 elements consisting of 20,000 marchers and 150+ vehicles proceed up NYC’s iconic Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan: America’s Most Patriotic mile!
Key Anniversaries acknowledged in this year’s parade:
70th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War
50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of combat units from Vietnam
40th Anniversary of the Beirut Barracks Bombing in Lebanon and the Grenada Invasion
30th Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu (Somalia)
Veterans Day Ceremony
The American Legion, VFW, Marine Corps League, Nam Knights, and Guardian Revival hosted a special Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building in Beacon.
At promptly 11 AM ET on 11/11, we began our ceremony, which included playing Taps, honoring those veterans we have lost, and shared a little about Veterans Day history as well as some historical veteran info local to the Hudson Valley.
The Mayor of Beacon gave a powerful keynote about the importance of Veterans Day and our military communities.
Are you a veteran (or first responder)? Get involved in our programs & services at Guardian Revival — we hope to see you soon!
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered to revive and preserve the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders — our guardians — at no cost to them.
Another Summit: Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, and paddling
Boots & Paws: Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore: Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
G-Connect: Virtual & in-person experiences to connect with guardians & the community
Peer Services: Confidential peer support for guardians by guardians
