(With proclamations left to right: Richard Bertram and Jack Lederman)
Somers, N.Y. – (9/7/12) – Senator Greg Ball (R,C-Patterson), was at the Somers Town Hall on Thursday night to officially accept the Somers Town Board nomination of Jack Lederman and Richard Bertram into Senator Greg Ball’s 2nd Annual Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created by Senator Ball, and designed to honor outstanding veterans from throughout the 40th Senate District. Each veteran honored will be included on a traveling wall that will tour local municipalities throughout the 40th district.
Jack Lederman enlisted himself into the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He was sent into action in the Philippines. Lederman was awarded the Purple Heart for a head injury he sustained in a firefight with the Japanese.
Jacks wife, Lillian Lederman was very proud of her husband for his accomplishment and spoke on his behalf. Mrs. Lederman said, “Jack is certainly honored to receive this award. The experiences that he has had in war has always been foremost in his mind. He is grateful to have been chosen for this award.”
Richard Bertram severed for three years as a Gunner’s Mate in the US Navy. During his three years of service his ship was bombed a total of seven times and he was involved in a total of four invasions including one on Eastern Sunday
After his time in the Navy, Bertram went on to be a Commander of American Legion Post 8213 where he spent a lot of time teaching students of his service. He also became a member of the volunteer fire department for 50 years.
“I am surprised that they nominated me. This is a great honor and it feels very nice,” said Richard Bertram about his nomination.“On the wall in the Somers Town Hall there are six names of men killed in WWII and Vietnam. I am insignificant compared to those men that lost their life’s.”
“I am honored to accept Somers nomination of Jack and Richard! These two men have been hand-picked because they chose a path of courage, honor, integrity and bravery; a path that helped shape America as we know it, protecting our way of life and liberty,” said Senator Greg Ball. “America is not a great country because of its politicians, it’s a great country because of our veterans.”
“The Somers Town Board is proud to nominate to Jack Lederman a US Army Purple Heart recipient and Richard Bertram, a US Navy Gunner’s Mate in Senator Ball’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” said Somers Supervisor MaryBeth Murphy. “We sincerely appreciate the Senator providing this opportunity to honor these and other Veterans for their extraordinary service to our Country.”
The 2nd Annual Veterans’ Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held at Peekskill Middle School on Thursday, November 1 at 6pm, with a light reception to follow.
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Joe Bachmeier at (845) 200 9716.
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