CHEERS to a couple whose identity is not known to us, unfortunately, who performed a very nice gesture last weekend for somebody who appreciated it. A woman with apparent limited mobility — she seemed to have a wheelchair at the ready — was ringing a bell for the Salvation Army outside the Post Office in Plattsburgh, in itself a pretty nice gesture. It was chilly and rainy on this day, and the couple noted the plight of the bell ringer and went off to fetch her some hot chocolate, which they delivered within a few minutes. The bell ringer surely must have been bolstered by the show of generosity and caring, if not by the hot chocolate, itself, and a passerby was moved enough by it all to call us and make a pitch for a Cheer. It's little exchanges like that that make Plattsburgh a very nice place to call home.

CHEERS to Bethany Pelkey and the Town of Keene, which organize Veteran's Day events every year and have a committee to build a Town of Keene Veteran's Memorial. This year, the committee, chaired by Pelkey, organized a Field of Flags — an idea we've not seen around here. The plan was to plant a small flag in town for each casualty of the current Middle East warfare. A month ago, the committee ordered thousands of small flags, each one to represent an American casualty in the war. When the flags were ordered, there had been under 5,200 deaths. When the flags arrived for planting, the casualty figure had climbed over 5,200. With the help of community members and Keene Central School students, the display was complete in four days. On Veteran's Day, a supportive group of about 50 people turned out to honor vets at home and abroad, starting at the Norton Cemetery Memorial site, dedicated at last year's Veteran's Day service. The Rev. Milton Dudley gave the invocation, Town Supervisor William Ferebee addressed the group, the president's proclamation for honoring vets was read, The American Legion Marcy Post 1312 performed a Flag ceremony and Taps was played. From there, the group went to Marcy field and the Field of Flags where a cross draped by a camouflage Army jacket was also on display. A last letter home from a soldier represented by one of the flags in the field was read. A wreath was laid on the mock gravesite, the local vets saluted and there was a moment of silence. The flags that were planted by the community members and students were placed in a variety of words and shapes: THANK YOU, PATRIOT, USA and stars and hearts. A luncheon was served following the outdoor activities at the Keene Valley Fire Hall. Christopher Griffin an eight-year Marine veteran currently living and working in Keene Valley, was the guest speaker. And a musical tribute found on the Internet thanking vets was shown. All the food and time was donated by local businesses and community members. The North Country is a patriotic community — none more than tiny Keene.