Ilion resident and Greater Herkimer Lions Club member Ron Schoonmaker has long served his country in a variety of capacities, including a stint as a combat medic in Vietnam and, for the last several years, conducting a changing of the American flags fronting the final resting places of veterans at Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer. Club President Rudy Scialdo stated:” Ron is the epitome of an American patriot. We look forward to this special day every year.”
Saturday’s event began with an opening ceremony and taps by the New Hartford American Legion’s Honor Guard, followed by comments by County Legislator Bob Hollum and Assemblyman Brian Miller. Joining Ron and Herkimer County Hunger Coalition Cookie Corps Coordinator Laura Hailston in the placing of new flags were members of the Greater Herkimer Lions Club and Boy Scout Troop 25 (Mohawk American Legion), along with special visitors from Vermont, Art, and Lynn Johnson.
Finally, regarding veterans, Coalition Founder RJ Lenarcic reminds those residing in or having once resided in Herkimer County interested in having their name etched on the Memorial Wall on the campus of Herkimer College can contact Rich Louis at 315-867-1127.
