BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

NORFOLK – World War II and Korean veterans were honored for their service on Veterans Day at the Norfolk American Legion Post 925, following a gun salute and bugler playing “Taps”.

“Here we are again, same day, same time, 11/11 at 11 o’clock, the same place, honoring our Veterans,” said guest speaker Stephen Markum, Norwood, a retired Air Force veteran, at the start of the ceremony.

Markum honored Harold P. Emlaw, 96, of Norfolk, for serving in the Navy in both World War II and the Korean War. Emlaw received several awards during his military career, including a Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Service Medal, said Markum.

Four other veterans were honored for their service during the Korean War.

Recognized were Norfolk resident William Kovach, 90, a two-year Army veteran, and Patrick Welsh, 88, an eight-year Navy veteran from Raymondville. Two other Norfolk residents, Ronald M. Bombard and Francis H. Wolfe were also honored for serving in the Army during the Korean War.

“Our veterans have given, and sacrificed, so much and worked so hard to give us what we have today, and I believe that you should have to give some sort of conscious effort to remember and appreciate them in order to call yourself an American,” said Markum.

“We are the brother and sisterhood of Veterans who have served our country in times of war and peace. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice, some have received visible and invisible wounds, Others like to share their experience, while others are hushed about what they have witnessed. Either way, we are Veterans,” said Markum.

“Our Korean War veterans have often been overlooked. For many, the Korean War is referred to as the forgotten war,” said speaker Thomas Morrison, an Army veteran.

“I also wish to relay to you, on behalf of the Korean people, a heartfelt ‘thank you,’ for without you South Korea would not exist,” said Morrison, a current Brasher Falls teacher who worked briefly as a teacher in South Korea over 40 years after the war ended.

Event organizers Norfolk Historian Theresa Dumas and American Legion Commander Reggie Monroe thanked the veterans for their service.

“With everything going on in the world today, we need to honor our veterans,” said Dumas.

Dumas presented the five veterans Korea lapel pins and flowers for their heroism, service and courage.

A lunch followed the ceremony.