As first allies to the United States throughout its struggle for independence, the Oneida Nation continues to remember its comrades in arms representing the U.S. Armed Forces.

Each year, as a tribute to veterans from all branches and every designation, the Oneida host a Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony to show appreciation for the sacrifices military personnel endure to maintain the country’s hard-won freedoms.

The gathering has experienced an exponential increase in guests over the past nine years, growing from approximately 100 guests at its inaugural seating and cresting in 2009 to more than 350 attending the Veteran’s Event at the Shenendoah Club House Nov. 7.

The welcoming remarks by Keller George, Wolf Clan Council Member and retired Air Force veteran, offered a salute to the veterans both past and present, noting the loss this year of Ken Phillips, Turtle Clan Council Member and Marine Corps veteran, and Albert Tarbell (Mohawk), who served with the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.

The keynote address was presented by Navy Cmdr. Christopher Flaherty, who opened his remarks by recounting the partnership between and United States and the Oneida.

“It is all too fitting that we celebrate the blessing of this day … in this place … on this land,” said Cmdr. Flaherty, who grew up in Cleveland, N.Y. “Most appropriate since Oneida Chief Shenandoah and Polly Cooper stand alongside Gen. George Washington in the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian as an eternal vigil to the Oneida legacy – as warriors from the Bear, Wolf and Turtle clans have cultivated seeds from the Tree of Peace in every way … on every continent on Mother Earth in defense of our great nation. Their legacy transcends all things – time, distance, race, creed, religion.”

Further sacrifices continue to be made to this day by the men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, who are “defending freedom and promoting peace on every continent and in every community on earth,” said Cmdr. Flaherty. “Uncommon valor is an all too common virtue. But you, our distinguished veterans, you already know this to be truth.”

Examples of selflessness abound on and off the battle field and Cmdr. Flaherty noted the dedication of three such veterans – Lauren Davies, Leroy Bowen and Gene Leimer – who were the force behind the Corporal Gregory Harris Military Courtesy Room at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The courtesy room acts as a private respite zone for traveling military personnel and is named after a Central New York Marine who went missing in Vietnam.

Another local vet making a difference, Jim Ransom, was lauded by Cmdr. Flaherty for his efforts with Toys for Tots. A former Marine, Jim and his “elves” deliver gifts to needy children in rural villages in Central New York, last year reaching 3,000 children.

“Ladies and gentlemen, these are but a few of the countless heroes in our midst … born from an unwavering belief in the highest ideals – integrity, honor, compassion,” said Cmdr. Flaherty. “With your lives and those of all veterans, you have inspired a better world and enabled each of us to achieve a better tomorrow … there is simply no greater gift. By our own actions, may we be worthy of your legacy.”

Special tribute was paid to the fallen from Lowville, Cortland and Rome to Fulton, Carthage, Camden and Forestport. Quoting from an Oneida legend, Cmdr. Flaherty said, let us “learn the lesson of the No Face Doll all over again – to sacrifice self for a greater good … as our veterans have, and continue to do, with each new breath.

“ … Dear friends, though daunting, this is our task that in the shadow of the Tree of Peace, we might live as the Peacemaker instructed: ‘We have now completed our power so that we shall in the future have one body, one mind, and one heart. If any evil should befall us in the future, we shall stand or fall united as one.’”