The carpetbagger question
Recently the name carpet bagger has been used to describe Sean Eldridge as he makes a bid for Congress in NY’s 19th district. Eldridge only recently moved to the 19th district.
As a native New Yorker, I am puzzled as to why this is an issue. After all, New York has a long history of welcoming people, including politicians, to the state from all over the country and the world. It is one of the strengths of this state which has contributed to its stellar place in the history of the US. Does anybody remember the campaigns of Bobby Kennedy and, more recently, Hillary Clinton, Michael Bloomberg (from Boston of all places) and Bill deBlasio who was born in NY but raised in Cambridge, Mass.
In addition to the local issues facing the Hudson Valley, members of Congress must also deal with national issues like the economy, immigration reform, extending benefits for the unemployed, cuts to the food stamp program, whether or not to raise the minimum wage, the national debt, and the unsettled situation in the Middle East. The list goes on and on. Isn’t it better to concentrate on the candidates’ stands on these issues than to be distracted by the issue of where a candidate was born and raised? Shouldn’t Gibson be required to answer why his Republican party has obstructed votes on these issues? Shouldn’t Eldridge be required to articulate how his election might change the gridlock in Congress?
I urge all my fellow voters in the 19th district to pay attention to what the candidates say on these important issues and not be distracted by the trivia which frequently emerges in a close race.
Al Ragucci
Rhinebeck
A great honor
I’d like to take this opportunity to gratefully thank the Saugerties Fire Department for selecting me to be this year’s Grand Marshall of the July 4th Parade. My selection is all the more special when I think of all the individuals who are so active in our great community and deserving to be considered as a Grand Marshall. What also magnifies this fantastic honor is looking back at previous Grand Marshalls and realizing that I’m now included in the same company with all of these outstanding individuals.
As far as the July 4 parade went, I was amazed by how many people showed up despite the steady rain. This, however, shouldn’t have surprised me considering how the Saugerties community is known for its civic pride. I saw bystanders of all ages lining the parade route and the rain definitely did not dampen their spirits. Having my family alongside of me during this proud moment was icing on the cake. Again, I’d like to thank the Saugerties Fire Department for my selection, but also, more importantly, for everything they all do throughout the year to provide life-saving services.
Peter (Pete) Gage
Saugerties
Vietnam veterans needed for class photo
We have seen many Vietnam War movies in which one character asks another which college he attended. The reply is “Vietnam” or “The University of South Vietnam.” In one movie with Clint Eastwood, he is asked by his lieutenant, and he replies “Heartbreak Ridge.” The officer replies, “I don’t think I have ever heard of that college.”
The Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Reunion Association will be holding its 15th Reunion on July 25–27 in Greenville, NY. On Saturday the 26th there will be a memorial service with guest speakers and remembrances especially for the POWs and MIAs, remembering all those who never came home or were accounted for and for those held captive.
What makes this particular reunion even more important is there will be representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. They will be there to continue with their collection of photos of those whose names are on the “Wall” in Washington. The purpose for collecting these photos is for the new education center that is going to be built across from the “Wall.” Anyone knowing of a friend or relative who has a friend or relative, whose name is on the “Wall,” please bring it to the reunion on July 26. The representative from the “Wall” will scan the photo and return it immediately. They are trying to locate photos of those killed in action whose names are on the “Wall,” in uniform if possible.
We have always remembered those who gave their lives in Vietnam and those still missing or who suffered captivity during the Vietnam War. This year, our 15th year, we are going to have a sort of “Class” photo of all living Vietnam veterans to celebrate the living as well as honoring all the deceased brothers who served in Vietnam. So at the closing of the ceremony on July 26 all Vietnam Veterans will be asked to assemble and have their photo taken as a group.
We are here to honor all. The Vietnam veterans have a saying, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.”
Another very important quote from our first President George Washington, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated, by their nation”
This explains in simplest terms why the Northeast USA Vietnam Veterans Reunion is held every year. Three days dedicated to Vietnam veterans and all who have served this great country.
On Friday evening there will be songs dedicated to the Vietnam veteran along with other entertainment and a bonfire to sit around become acquainted.
On Saturday at noon there will be a memorial service with guest speakers, POW-MIA memorial service, and representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
All followed by a firing squad rifle salute and the class photo. We will also be paying a special tribute remembering the 70th Anniversary of D-Day with WWII re-enactors and their original WWII equipment and vehicles.
After the ceremonies have concluded everyone is invited to enjoy a buffet lunch with slow-cooked smoked pork. Please join us.
The reunion is held on Rt. 81 in Greenville, NY, about a half-mile west of the stop light at the intersection of Rt. 32 and Rt. 81. Signs are posted on all major highways leading from the NY State Thruway and major roadways from all directions.
Tim Broder Sr., Vietnam 1970
Freehold
Join the family! 
