Seventy Veterans and Residents Attend Row of Honor Kick-Off on Armed Forces Day

CARMEL, N.Y. – Armed Forces Day, a national commemoration of Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches, marked the kick off of Putnam County’s annual Row of Honor season at the Carmel VFW Hall, located on Route 52 in Carmel, N.Y. Preceded by a pancake breakfast organized by the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council and sponsored by Kevin Byrne, the event drew 70 veterans and residents to remember the men and women who lost their lives in service to the United States. 

“The Row of Honor tradition that has been established in our county means so much to our vets and to the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “We are so grateful for the freedom and safety that our military protects every single day. These flags, emblazoned with the names of many of those brave men and women, honor their sacrifice.”

More than 200 flags, which carry the names of beloved Veterans, will continue to fly until Flag Day, June 14th. With a $100 donation, the name of a loved one can appear on a flag. The proceeds will go toward Veterans Peer-to-Peer projects, which assist vets who are suffering from isolation, depression, PTSD and other issues associated with the readjustment to civilian life.

To order your flag, call 845-808-1620 or visit PutnamCountyNY.gov/ROH. Checks can be made payable to the Joint Veterans Council to PC Veterans Service Agency, Donald B. Smith Government Campus, 110 Old Route 6, Bldg. 3, Carmel, N.Y. 10512.