The annual Tupper Lake Veterans Day Ceremony included recognitions, wreath layings and a guest speech from retired Marine Corps Captain Terry Tubridy — who currently serves as commander of the Marine Corps League Adirondack Leathernecks Detachment 1268. There was also music from the school’s band, as well as opening and closing prayers led by the Rev. Rick Wilburn, of the Tupper Lake Baptist Church. Wilburn also serves as American Legion Post 220’s First-Vice Commander.

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Keynote address

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From left, Terry Tubridy, Mark Moeller, Leon LeBlanc and Rev. Rick Wilburn at the Veterans Day celebration held at the Tupper Lake Middle/High School on Monday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Tubridy, who was born in Buffalo, first enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1975. He served as an aviation electronics technician before attending Purdue University through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program.

He became an officer in 1983. Tubridy served in multiple ground combat units and eventually retired, with the rank of Captain, in 1995. After his service days, he worked as a defense contractor until 2006, when he moved to Saranac Lake. He has lived there since, serving as a school board member during a portion of that time.

Tubridy began his speech by acknowledging that the nation has not always harbored the respect for veterans that it does today.

“I have seen the public treatment of veterans go from the sad days of the Vietnam War to the welcoming homecomings of Desert Storm, which thankfully continues today,” he said. “Every veteran should be proud of their service.”

Tubridy focused his address on the role everyone can play in looking out for those who have served. He said that while progress has been made, suicide continues to be a serious problem for the veteran community.

Tubridy said the trauma — physical, mental and emotional — that soldiers can encounter while serving leaves them at greater risk for self-harm, which may persist long after their days of combat have ended.

“Some are able to seek the help they need, but too many suffer in silence and reach the point where they feel they cannot bear it any longer,” he said.

He asked everyone to be vigilant in their interactions with veterans, and, if they see something that seems off, to not be afraid to seek help on their behalf. That work, he said, may end up saving a life.

“Be bold enough to speak up in support when observing troubling behavior,” Tubridy said. “We will not catch everyone who is suffering. But, saving even one veteran is a mission accomplished.”

Tubridy also tasked the crowd with upholding and promoting what he referred to as “informed patriotism.”

“Patriotism has become a dirty word in recent times. … Like freedom, patriotism cannot be assumed, and must be constantly reinforced,” he said. “I’m not talking about blind patriotism. Our country is not and has not been perfect. I do not gloss over our sins, past and present. I encourage vigorous debate, pro and con, and education on what it took for our great country to get where it is today.”

Tubridy said it was important for people to respect the differences of their fellow citizens. He said it was important to remember what unites us. Just as teamwork makes the U.S. military the “finest fighting force in the world,” Tubridy said the common ties and shared experiences that bring citizens together are incredible strengths.

He reminded the audience of the significance of the Constitution, the document that he said allows for the liberties — and progress — that so many take for granted. Everyone who serves in the military takes an Oath of Enlistment, in which they vow to support and defend the document.

“We are imperfect people, but we have a Constitution — unique in this world — that gives us the mechanism to get things right,” he said. “The proof of this lies in the number of people worldwide who come, or wish to come, to this country.”

Tubridy concluded his remarks by thanking those who serve to protect citizens on the homefront.

“I wish to recognize our first responders: law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, forest rangers and others who serve at home while we protect our country,” he said. “Your service is greatly appreciated.”

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Laying of the wreaths

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A variety of local organizations came forward to lay wreaths to honor those who have served. Tubridy reminded the audience that these wreaths were laid in recognition, not memorial, of those who served. They are listed below.

— Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3120

— American Legion Post 220

— Adirondack Leathernecks Detachment 1268

— Tupper Lake Honor Guard

— The town of Tupper Lake

— The village of Tupper Lake

— Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Ladies Auxillary Tupper Lake Fire Department

— Tupper Lake Central School District

— Knights of Columbus #2177

— Kiwanis Club of Tupper Lake

— WoodmenLife Foundation

— Sunmount Developmental Disabilities Services Office

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Band director recognized

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American Legion Post 220 Commander Mark Moeller spoke after the laying of the wreaths ceremony. He presented Laura Davison, the Tupper Lake Central School District’s band director, with an American Legion Thank You Coin.

The announcement was a surprise, with Davison appearing moved by her recognition at the ceremony.

“Never in a million years did I expect I would be honored like this,” she said in a phone call after the event.

Moeller said the coins are given out to commend acts of good work.

“I’d like to give her an American Legion coin for all the support she’s given to veterans throughout the years for all our ceremonies, in good weather and bad,” he said. “Laura and her band are always here to do a great job. … Thank you for holidays, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, special by playing your music.”