FREWSBURG – Town officials recently discussed the potential creation of a committee that would be solely dedicated to veterans honors and services.

While not an immediate change, officials hope that this will result in a greater number of community residents participating in these types of events or recognitions.

Paul Oyer, Carroll Town Board member and veteran representative, discussed the formation of the committee, with the blessing of Tim Burkett, town supervisor. Oyer said Burkett and he had discussed the idea leading up to the meeting, with both agreeing that the idea would bring numerous benefits to the town. Oyer noted the inspiration for the committee’s creation occurred because the town already had an existing line within the budget to account for this, despite that the item line had been unused until now. While Oyer noted the money would not begin to be allocated toward this line until the next budget is created, big ideas have already begun to form theorizing what possible benefits this may bring.

Currently, Oyer is in the process of forming the committee that will oversee the veterans services and recognitions. While the current board has not yet been formed, Oyer did note numerous potential candidates. One of the likely members to serve on the board is Susan Rowley, Carroll town clerk and Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY 4 president, according to Oyer. Oyer also stated that there are a few other individuals that are heavily considered at the moment, with one more individual still needed to complete the committee.

Oyer seems to be eagerly planning tasks and goals for the committee already. One of the ideas that Oyer noted was potentially installing a commemorative plaque or monument somewhere within the town. The memorial would be dedicated to honoring those that were killed in action or were missing in action, especially those that were residents of the town. Oyer also made note of a possible idea that would honor purple heart recipients. Oyer noted one way to do this that has been considered would be possibly dedicating the name of a bridge to a Purple Heart recipient.

“Too often everybody thinks, especially in Frewsburg here, that the legion will take care of it,” said Oyer. “Well, let’s think outside the box. Let’s have the whole community take care of it, because that’s what they went over there for. (It was) for our community, not just for themselves or for the legion.”

See VETERANS, Page A6

The committee would also be assisting organizations that coordinate current veterans events within the town. Events such as the Blue Star Mothers care packaging and the Wreaths Across America events will have a greater level of support with the backing of this committee. Additionally, Oyer noted the need for the committee to help with the management for the annual Frewsburg Memorial Day Parade. Oyer stated that it seems that attendance had been steadily declining to the parade in recent years. One of the committee’s responsibilities for this parade would be to try to foster more community support towards the parade, and toward all celebrations of veterans within the town.