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Brewster, NY

100 Year-Old WWII Veteran Honored in Flag Presentation Ceremony

photo from Feb. 23, 1943, Charlie Stoll, Eddie Otterstedt, and Wendy Conklin (pictured from left to right) wait on the curb in front of Russ Carpenter's office for the bus that will take them to Camp Upton in Suffolk County — and then on to World War II. Otterstedt recalled that the three buddies — who grew up together in Chester and had, at the time of this photograph, all recently married — assumed they would serve together. But upon arriving at Camp Upton, they were separated and did not see each other again for the duration of the war. Wendy was killed in action in Czechoslovakia on April 22, 1945. (Photo and Caption courtesy of The Chronicle)

In Honor of Memorial Day, Maloney Holds Surprise Flag Presentation Ceremony for 100 Year-Old WWII Veteran

Worked with Vets Family to Plan Surprise Ceremony for 100th Birthday

In honor of Memorial Day, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) held a flag presentation ceremony in Chester, NY for a 100 year-old World War II veteran to recognize his service and celebrate his 100th birthday. The veteran’s family worked with Rep. Maloney’s office to organize the event, which was a surprise. Rep. Maloney presented Edward Otterstedt, a World War II veteran, with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on his 100th birthday.

Born and raised in Chester, NY, Mr. Otterstedt volunteered for the United States Army in 1943. He served in the Army until he was injured as a result of an artillery blast, which left him with a 100-percent service connected disability. After returning home, Mr. Otterstedt served as a volunteer firefighter in the Chester Fire Company.

“This man is an American hero – and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate his 100th birthday with him and his family. Not only did he volunteer to serve his country in World War II, but he came home and served his community as a member of the Chester volunteer fire department. My dad served in the Navy and he too came home with a service connected disability – I know all too well the courage it takes and the sacrifice these men made to keep our country safe. I want to thank Mr. Otterstedt and his family for their service and for letting me join them today – happy birthday!” said Rep. Maloney, son of a Navy veteran.

“Mr. Otterstedt answered the call to serve his country and deserves this recognition in honor of his service and his 100th birthday. As a Navy Officer, I was honored to be part of today’s ceremony, and to have a chance to speak with Mr. Otterstedt. We all owe a debt of gratitude to brave men such as him,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.

“Ed Otterstedt is cut from the cloth of the greatest generation. The recognition he received today is a credit to his service to his country in combat during World War II and his service to his community in the decades to follow. I want thank Congressman Maloney for recognizing one of our local heroes as we begin to celebrate Memorial Day weekend,” said Senator Bill Larkin.

 

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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