On Nov. 11, the Rochester community honored Veterans Day at Veterans Park. The ceremony began at approximately 11 a.m., with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and local resident Lene Fornino singing the national anthem.

Town Supervisor Erin Enouen placed a wreath at a plaque recently added to the park. Designed by Jon Dogar-Marinesco, the plaque reads: “Keep forever living the freedom they defended.” Enouen then held a moment of silence for veterans who were lost, “for the wounds that they received during their service, both physical, emotional and mental.”

“This year we’ve had some really incredible events recognizing our veterans; the Field of Flags at Rondout Valley and Friends of Historic Rochester and the Accord Fire District with the Hometown Hero Banner Project,” Enouen said. “Both my grandfathers served in the Air Force. My grandfather, Paul William Enouen Sr., was a fighter pilot for 12 years and was a decorated pilot who received honors for his service in the Korean War.”

Enouen also recounted the history of the park, which was created and dedicated to veterans between 2008 and 2011. She thanked the volunteers who helped bring the idea to fruition and continue to participate in its upkeep. Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg also spoke at the ceremony.

Gundberg discussed her efforts to revitalize the honor roll in 2023. Previously kept in an old storage unit in a highway garage, the honor roll required updates to the names it displayed.

“One thing I’ve learned through this whole project is every uniform tells a story,” Gundberg said. “Some came back welcomed. Some did not come back welcomed. Some did not come back at all, and when you sit and talk to these families and you hear the stories, it’s amazing to me how some people willingly signed up and knew what they were getting themselves into.”