Newspaper Articles

As you know, I've been writing for the local weekly newspaper. I'll try to post the articles I've written so those of you who don't get the paper can keep up. Thanks for your interest.


"Today marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I." And with those words Master Sergeant Robert McIntosh, USMC retired, drew a crowd in excess of 300 to his attention for the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor. The morning was filled with symobolism, from the black granite stone, representing tyranny and oppression, that tops the red column of bloodshed, to the posting of the colors of all branches of military service and the American flag, to the 21 gun salute carried out by Westfield VFW Post #2769, to the playing of Taps. "We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States armed forces... for the preservation of our way of life," intoned David Bower as military dignataries and government officials stood at attention.
What began as a vision of Roger Testrakes's two years ago came to fruition on Veteran's Day 2008. The committe of eleven, spearheaded by Karen Krause and Robert Bentley, and countless volunteers and contributors are to be commended for the unique memorial they created so that Ripley veteran's, past and future, will always be recognized for their service to America. The stainless steel cabinets that house the names of "those who have contributed and sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom" will be updated in a year's time to include the names of those veterans who were not inlcuded in the initial listing, thus making this a living, growing memorial. New additions to Ripley's Roll of Honor will be added periodically after that.
The Dedication continued in Meeder's Restaurant where approximately 175 people were treated to a luncheon. Karen Krause welcomed the guests, giving credit to Mr. Testrake for his initial idea for the monument, and thanking individuals and corporations alike for their many contributions of time and money. The meaning of sacrifice became personal when her son became an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions.
Bob Bentley, Co-Chair of the committee, stated, "I have served on boards and committees for over 20 years and I don't think we've ever had something like this happen here," referring to the amount of community effort that was put forth, and the huge turnout for the event. Kevin Muldowney, representing Catherine Young, NYS Senator, spoke of attending events in Ripley, but "never anything of this size. This is how government is supposed to work," helping communities achieve their goals. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, observed that during the dedication he thought back to the first shovelful of dirt at the ground breaking and couldn't comprehend the amount of work it took to finish this memorial. "I can't recall a time I've been more proud. It's a wonderful thing to behold," he said. "This is what America's all about."
The star of the show, however, was The Honorable Michael E. Dunlavey, Major General U.S. Army, Retired. The General told the audience how he had retired from the service, until he watched the planes of 9/11 attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He felt an overwhelming need to go back to active duty, to help defend his country against terrorists of all kinds. "Veteran's write a blank check to America," he said, "payable with their lives if necessary." He talked of the Vietnam Memorial, the Memorial to WWII veteran's, the monument in Burma which states, "When you go home, tell of us. For your tomorrow we paid our all today." And then he spoke of the pride he felt, watching Boy Scouts, Nate McIntosh and Zachary Mota, placing wreaths at the Ripley Memorial. Dunlavey lived in Ripley for 20 years and said, "I've never seen Ripley come together like this."
Two American flags, each flown over Bagdad, were presented at the ceremony, one by Dr. John Hamels and the other by Bill Mulson. And in closing Roger Testrake recited the words of poet Laurence Binyon from World War I: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them." The Benediction, by Rev. Marie Hanelsman of Ripley Presbyterian Church, and the wail of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" by Franklin Werren, brought the ceremony to an end.
If you or someone your know should be listed on the Ripley Roll of Honor, forms can be found at Meeder's Restaurant in Ripley. Any person who has or is serving in the military who lives or lived in Ripley is eligible. Information regarding veteran's should be sent to the attention of Marie McCutcheon at P.O. Box 363, Ripley, NY 14775. Stories, memoriblilia, photos, etc. should be sent to the same post office box to the attention of Robert Gibbs for inclusion in the website now under construciton.