BY ALLEN OSTER | On Mon., Nov. 11, at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial on Ninth Ave. (btw. W. 27th & 28th Sts.), Chelsea residents, elected officials, and the NYPD came together to remember our country’s veterans and give special recognition to the members of Chelsea’s St. Columba Parish, who served their country in World War I.

Two hundred and forty-three men from the immediate area went off to the war—20 did not return, and their names were read during the ceremony.

Frank Meade, a veteran who was born and raised in Chelsea, has been organizing this event for the past 10 years, opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone.

The Rev. James Hauver, Pastor of St. Columba Church, offered the opening benediction, after which Meade offered a stirring tribute to the men and women currently serving in our armed forces, as well as to our first responders.

It was a moving moment for Chelsea residents, who came together to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country and community.

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, who provided the Memorial Wreath and has supported this event for the past years, also spoke to the assembled crowd, offering heartfelt remarks. Rev. Hauver concluded the ceremony.

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