The Dutchess County War Memorial Committee held its annual Veterans Day program before the monument in John K. Rinaldi Memorial Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Monday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. About 70 people attended the event in the park named after a fallen World War II hero which featured speeches, tributes from children, wreath-laying, patriotic songs, a presentation of flags and arms, the firing of a salute and “Taps.” But above all, it featured the memories and opinions of veterans.
“This is something that all citizens should try to attend,” said Clarence A. Dixon, a Korea and Vietnam veteran who is a past Veterans of Foreign Wars All State Dutchess County Commander and Buffalo Soldiers Honoree. “People do not understand what a fighting man stands for, what he’s been through, the sacrifices he has made. This is not a joke. This is history. This is the lifeblood of our country, the foundation of our freedom. There should have been more of a turnout than there was.”
Yet the appreciation of the meaning of national service that was shown by the people who did attend, veterans and civilians young and old, was by turns solemn and enthusiastic, and evidently deeply felt.
After an address by current VFW Dutchess County Commander Sakima Brown, who emphasized veterans’ dedication to their country, a succession of students from the Arlington Middle School came forward one by one to highlight different aspects of the significance of soldiers’ deeds. All of them began by saying “Thank you for your sacrifices,” but then each added their own take on how military service translates directly into American life.
“Thank you for giving me the right to go to school.”
“Thank you for my right to play sports.”
“Thank you for allowing me to live in freedom.”
“Thank you for doing the right thing.”
Wreaths were laid before the monument by the Dutchess County War Memorial Committee and the Gold Star Mothers of Dutchess County. Members of the local veterans’ organizations, American Legion Post 1302 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 170, were prominent on the platform and in the crowd. The Arlington Honor Guard, which meets at the VFW post but is an independent organization, presented flags and arms and fired a salute.
In his benediction, Father John LaMorte spoke of, “Those brave warriors who gave their tomorrows for the ideals we value today.” The program ended with the sounding of “Taps” and the singing of “God Bless America.”
Despite the overcast and chilly day, many of the participants lingered afterwards to personally thank the veterans or read the names on the memorial.
“It’s a tremendous connection that I feel here,” said Kristin Jemiolo. “A love and respect for those who have shown so much dedication to their country.”
“Veterans are people who have risked their lives to protect the people of the United States,” said Olivia Dingee, 11, of Girls Scouts Troop 243. “They have risked their lives every single day.”
“And we’re here to celebrate that,” said her friend Sabrina Johnston, of the same age and troop.
As fulsome as all the praises were, no one can speak of the lives of men and women at war like those who have actually lived – and lost – in conflict.
“That’s my brother,” said World War II veteran Edward Ladzinski, pointing to the name of Torpedo Man 2nd Class Reginald Ladzinski on the memorial. “He was lost in the sinking of the USS Lansdale in the Mediterranean in April, 1944. He was 19 years old. Two German Messerschmidt planes struck the boat with bombs. Robert Morganthau Jr., the current district attorney of Manhattan, was the executive officer on that ship, and one of the few survivors. They never found my brother’s body, but there is a stone for him in a military cemetery in Algeria.”
“There were five of us Ladzinski brothers in the service in that war,” he continued. “Three in the Navy and two in the Army. I was on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger in the Pacific, and my brother Steve fought at the Battle of the Bulge.”
“I believe in a draft,” Mr. Ladzinski concluded. “Every available able-bodied man should step forward and fight for his country.”