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Livingston County veterans director urges towns to collect veteran stories for 250th; Quilt of Valor presented
Summary
At the March 12 Livingston County Board of Supervisors meeting, Veterans Service Agency Director David Cherry described a countywide initiative to collect short veteran video clips for the county’s 250th celebrations and highlighted other veteran events; a Quilts of Valor presentation recognized a county employee.
David Cherry, director of the Livingston County Veterans Service Agency, told the Board of Supervisors on March 12 that his office is launching a countywide effort to document veterans’ service as part of the county’s countdown to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“I'm gonna ask towns, I'm gonna go to the legions, the VFWs, all your veterans organizations,” Cherry said, describing a short-video project in which veterans would record brief clips saying their name, branch and years of service. He said the clips would be compiled for a countywide presentation “in February” during the semiquincentennial observance.
Cherry framed the effort as both a historical-preservation project and an outreach strategy to connect veterans with services. He also outlined other veteran-focused events the office plans to tie into the anniversary, including Operation Greenlight, a “Veterans Tranquil Trail” ribbon-cutting in Mount Morris planned for early May, and branch-specific commemorations on June 14 (Army), Oct. 13 (Navy) and Nov. 10 (Marine Corps).
Chaplain Patrick VanDermey of Dansville, recognized earlier in the meeting as Livingston County’s veteran of the month, received a certificate of appreciation. VanDermey’s biography recounted his service overseas and military awards; Cherry asked the board to stand while the chaplain led the Pledge of Allegiance.
After Cherry’s remarks, members of the Quilts of Valor group presented a quilt to David Cherry in recognition of his service and county work. Fran Palumbo, a member of the Quilts of Valor group that meets at the American Legion in Corning, explained the group’s mission to wrap veterans with comforting quilts. Maureen (last name not specified), speaking for the group during the presentation, read an award statement: “As a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation, we award you this quilt of valor.”
The board then approved two resolutions introduced at that point on the agenda: a resolution supporting the nationwide “America 250” countdown and an appointment to the Livingston County Planning Board (Leah Fletcher). Both resolutions were adopted by roll call.
Cherry asked supervisors to encourage towns and veterans organizations to participate in the short-video project and to notify his office about events that can be included in the countywide celebration. He said the goal is both to preserve veterans’ stories and to use anniversary activities to increase awareness of benefits and local services.
No formal policy changes or budget appropriations tied to the video project were announced at the meeting. Cherry told the board he will share additional details with department heads and incorporate requests into forthcoming planning and committee discussions.
