PLATTSBURGH — A new park in Keeseville, diplomas at Akwesasne and bagpipes in Wadhams all symbolized on Wednesday the North Country's respect for veterans.

Communities in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties held Veterans Day ceremonies as many people enjoyed a mid-week break from work.

KEESEVILLE PARK
In Keeseville, about 100 people turned out for a dedication of the village's new Veterans Memorial Park.

In 1942, the site of the park — the intersection of Front and Main streets — bore an honor roll listing the names of those who left AuSable and Chesterfield to serve in World War II.

Five years later, the honor roll was gone, but the sacrifices made were not forgotten.

Longtime Keeseville resident George Moore said that, through the years, he was "just kind of bothered that the honor roll was gone," eventually replaced by a gas station and later an insurance company.

That's why he decided to eventually purchase the property and donate it, along with the new 9-by-7-foot statue, to the village for the Memorial Park, which also received state funding toward the project.

"I have always felt this place should be a place (to honor veterans)," he said softly during the afternoon ceremony.

"I honor them all very deeply in my heart."

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) said the community was "extremely fortunate" to have a park honoring the sacrifices of those who have and are currently serving the country.

As many residents nodded in agreement, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1505 Commander Ron Desautels said no one should forget the thousands who "sacrificed their ambitions so others did not sacrifice theirs."

HONORARY DIPLOMAS
At Akwesasne, Ludwig Beeson took in the sights and sounds around him Wednesday, enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

"This is the third time I've been recognized today," the retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant said with a laugh.

The daughter of another Armed Forces veteran treated him to breakfast, and someone else stopped him in Wal-Mart to offer their best wishes.

Beeson was one of 40 veterans from the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation to be awarded their high-school diploma during an Operation Recognition ceremony at St. Regis Mohawk Elementary School.

More than 450 people packed into the gymnasium to see their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and sisters receive a framed certificate from Salmon River Central School Superintendent Jane Collins as many as 60 years after they would have.

"I feel real good," Beeson said of the long-awaited achievement. "I left school in 11th grade and was in the Air Force for 20 years.

"I traveled all over the world, met my wife in Washington, D.C., and we moved back here, raised four sons and have been married for 58 years."

The only missing piece for him was filled on Wednesday.

Patrick Chubb sat quietly in a crisp, cream-colored sweater, waiting for his turn to accept his diploma.

The 83-year-old retired U.S. Army acting sergeant served in World War II for 3½ years, never obtaining his final school certificate until now.

"This is pretty nice," he said, looking around at the red-white-and-blue bunting, balloons and streamers that decorated the gym.

He said he was surprised and grateful at being selected for the honor.

In addition to the diplomas, each veteran was presented a red carnation boutonnière and a commemorative coin from the service branch in which they served.

CEMETERY SERVICE
In Wadhams, the flag snapped to attention in the fall breeze as veterans, their families and officials paid their respects to those who have served in the military.

Each year, the gleaming row of white grave markers at the edge of the woods at the Essex County Veterans Cemetery gets a little longer. Sixteen veterans are now buried there, as well as three others in a family plot owned by the Ansons, who deeded eight acres of land to Essex County for the cemetery.

Master of Ceremonies Newman Tryon reminded the assemblage that Veterans Day is designed "to remember those who were willing to serve in order to protect the United States at that time and for future generations."

Essex County Veterans Counselor Tim Pierce read from the statement in which Gov. David Paterson said: "We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to these special citizens and veterans, who through great personal sacrifice have defeated brutal foes, liberated oppressed people and preserved our cherished ideals of democracy."

Tryon presented a casket flag to Mike O'Donnell to honor his father, Bob O'Donnell, whose remains were recently interred at the Veterans Cemetery. Bob served in the Korean War and had been a Keeseville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1505 commander.

The ceremony also included the playing of "Amazing Grace" by bagpiper Kim Matthews, a color guard and firing squad made up of members of American Legion Post 1319 of Lewis and Post 551 of Elizabethtown, "Taps" played by Lew Egglefield and religious observances by the Rev. Fred Shaw.