Respect all veterans, Cortland event leaders urge

Local News Respect all veterans, Cortland event leaders urge By BOB COUPLAND November 9, 2026 5 min read Staff photos/ Bob Coupland U.S. Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Peter Bollinger of Newton Falls, at podium, was the keynote speaker Sunday at the Cortland Veterans Day ceremony at the war memorial at Point Park. Seated are Rylie Crouch of Cortland who sang the national anthem and Ian McAleer, a veteran with the Cortland Veterans Memorial Committee which hosted the event. Trending Staff photos/ Bob Coupland man at podium with two people seated U.S. Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Peter Bollinger of Newton Falls, at podium, was the keynote speaker Sunday at the Cortland Veterans Day ceremony at the war memorial at Point Park. Seated are Rylie Crouch of Cortland who sang the national anthem and Ian McAleer, a veteran with the Cortland Veterans Memorial Committee which hosted the event. woman singing Rylie Crouch of Cortland sings the national anthem Sunday at the Cortland Veterans Day ceremony. man with horn Garrey Watson of the Trumbull County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 plays taps Sunday at the Cortland Veterans Day ceremony. Many area communities are planning Veterans Day events this week. CORTLAND – Veterans were recognized for their service in protecting the country and defending the freedoms that people have today at a special ceremony Sunday hosted by the Cortland Veterans Memorial Committee. The event took place at the Veterans Memorial at Point Park with 50 people attending. Ian McAleer, who emceed the service, said the veterans being remembered and honored on Veterans Day are the heroes who people are in debt to. He said the veterans wherever they served accomplished their mission. McAleer said while many veterans returned home, some with wounds, others did not and died where they had fought. “In spirit they will always be here,” McAleer said. Lt. Col Peter Bollinger of Newton Falls who served as a second lieutenant as a missile launch officer while serving with the Air Force was keynote speaker. Bollinger, who is retired and had served most recently as a staff officer with the National Command Center at the Pentagon and with the United Strategic Command at the national defense threat reduction agency before retiring in 2012, said the men and women who have served this great nation appreciate the support they receive from their communities. “There are so many great organizations here that really go out of their way to support veterans. Veterans Day is a day to remember and to give thanks and a day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who answered the call of our country,” Bollinger said. He encouraged people to thank veterans for their service, courage and sacrifices in putting the country and fellow Americans ahead of themselves. “Veterans left their homes and families to accept difficult assignments and face uncertain circumstances and in many cases put their lives in danger protecting the freedoms we all enjoy today.” Bollinger said. He said regardless where a veteran served, the service matters and the sacrifice deserves the public’s respect. Bollinger said families of veterans also deserve respect for carrying the burdens of long deployments, long separations and challenging transitions. “For many veterans the battle does not end when they leave the military service. Some veterans return home struggling to find jobs, battle physical disabilities, post traumatic stress and depression. Some are sleeping in shelters wondering where they will have their next home. They wore the uniform and stood to defend our country but do not know where their next meal will come from. That should matter to us,” Bollinger said. He said it is important to remember veterans on Veterans Day but also remember them on 364 other days of the year. Bollinger asked to show respect and encouragement for veterans. “It is important that people in communities work together to identify veterans in need. We can assist them in finding jobs, permanent housing, and the medical assistance they may need. Each of us could do something, We can volunteer at a shelter, donate food or clothing, or help at a veterans’ support organization. Some times a small act of kindness is all that they need to help them get their life back on a positive note,” he said. Bollinger said to all veterans, you are not forgotten and your service to the country matters. “Our veterans deserve more than a ceremony. They deserve a country that remembers them and a community that will support them. Today as we recognize those who serve let us make a promise that we will not forget our veterans. The veterans deserve our respect. We are here to help them,” Bollinger said. Bill Gore of Cortland, a Vietnam veteran, said the prayer he knew growing up was the Lord’s Prayer, which he asked those in attendance to say with him for the opening of the service. Gore said when he was in Vietnam, he said the Lord’s Prayer. “We are gathered here today to honor our veterans. These men protected the freedoms that you have today. You should appreciate that. Thank the veterans who are here with us today,” Gore said. The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 performed the rifle salute with Garrey Watson playing taps. This is the eighth annual service hosted by the Cortland Veterans Memorial Committee. McAleer said the event memorialize all veterans in Trumbull County and through the United States.