Utica salutes its veterans

By WKTV News

Story Created: Nov 11, 2009 at 1:15 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 11, 2009 at 1:15 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The city of Utica saluted its veterans Wednesday with a ceremony outside the Veterans' Outreach Center in the former YMCA building downtown.

A giant flag hung in the background as elected leaders at the local, state and federal level thanked veterans for their service. Local students played patriotic songs and other performers sang the National Anthem. Current members of the military were there, and grateful for the ceremony and gratitude expressed.

"On veterans day I always feel a great feeling because people come out and they recognize veterans for that they've done, serving their country and I think that needs to be done," says Vietnam Veteran and Order of the Purple Heart Commander Joe Fraccola.

Also today, a World War II nurse, who also happens to be the mother of Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks, cut the ribbon on the city's new internet cafe, which is part of the Veteran's Outreach Center.
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