SARATOGA SPRINGS--War, an uneasy topic for some, has the ability to evoke extra emotion for those who witnessed or partook in events first hand. To honor these special men and women, a Gallery of Valor has been set up that contains over 200 articles of war memorabilia. The gallery will be unveiled to the public this Veterans Day at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post located on Excelsior Avenue.
Chartered on May 24, 1910; the VFW Post had approximately 30 veterans who had served in World War 1, the Mexican Border War or the Spanish-American War. The post was named in the memory of two brothers: Private George H. Gurtler and Corporal William Gurtler. The siblings, originally from Saratoga Springs, had both coincidentally died in combat on October 20, 1918.
To qualify for VFW membership, one must have earned a military ribbon or been in actual combat. Whether it is a past soldier, present soldier, or family of a soldier, it is important to the post that they support and bring together those who’ve shared similar experiences.
Gene Ratigliano, senior vice commander of the Post, says the main idea behind creating the Gallery of Valor was to recognize all soldiers who had served the country in any way.
“We want this exhibit to honor every soldier, not just the ones who’ve had boots on the ground,” Ratigliano said.
Ratigliano then continued to explain how the jobs of the men behind the scenes were just as crucial to the jobs of those on the front line.
“Even though they may not directly have been involved in combat does not mean they weren’t ready to jump in at any time,” Ratigliano noted.
The VFW post reached out to schools within the community asking that they help take part in creating the gallery. Students and staff lent a tremendous hand by donating personal items of their loved ones who have served in war. Expecting no more than 50 items to come in, the Post was ecstatic to receive just over 200 personal items. With an array of belongings from almost every major conflict beginning with World War 1, the exhibit’s diversity is one of its best features.
Rich Koenig, member of the VFW and Vietnam War veteran, emphasized the meaning of the gallery to him and to the Post. The belongings displayed can often serve as reminder of what life used to be like to the veteran soldiers. Koenig recalled one specific incident where a rocket came through the ceiling of where he was stationed to work.
“If it was my night on, it would have been me,” Koenig said.
Continuously, Koenig and Ratigliano emphasized how grateful the Post is that people have been so active in donating such personal, irreplaceable items. With a display ranging from war front photographs to heart-felt letters sent home, the Gallery of Valor does not fall short of its aim. The VFW Post looks forward to unveiling the gallery to the public this Veterans Day and hopes that you will be there to join.
The Second Annual Gallery of Valor will be unveiled on Monday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at VFW Post 420, 190 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs. There will be a public ceremony with featured guest speakers followed by an Open House and luncheon at noon. For more information call (518) 587-6944.
Andrea Barry is a Saratoga Springs High School senior interning for Saratoga TODAY.
