BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON -- A warmer-than-usual Veterans Day ceremony in Canton Thursday morning paid tribute to the family of the late Lallo Frank, a U.S. Navy veteran who died in 2018.

On hand were members of the Frank family, including Tom Frank who presented the flag to the VFW Color Guard member Kim Ryan, who with the assistance of fellow color member Fay Sheldon, raised and flew the flag on the pole in front of the Edward C. Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1231 on Gouverneur St.

“Thank you for attending today’s remembrance of those individuals who while answering our nation's call gave their last full measure of service and devotion to defend liberty and our way of life,” stated David M. Pearson, VFW Post Commander. “We are truly blessed to live in a country where men and women answer the nation’s call to service and continue the legacy established by our forefathers since the birth of our nation.”

The Thursday morning observance featured a special guest speaker U.S. Army Major General (Retired) Robert J. Kasulke.

“We hear testimony on Veterans Day to celebrate and thank veterans. Our greatest asset in the United States is our people and among those are veterans,” said Kasulke. “We can’t forget our veterans, veterans offer a wealth of good to the community.”

The major general has an impressive resume. He earned his degree in Medicine from the University of New York, Syracuse, College of Medicine. in 1975. He is board certified in both general and vascular surgery and is a graduate of the Army Medical Officer Basic Course, the Army Medical Officer Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College, Class of 1999. Kasulke served 32 years in the Army Reserve.

He was appointed as a member of the Fort Drum Retiree Council in 2015, where he is currently the Officer Co-Chair of the installation Council. He was appointed to the Chief of Staff Army Retired Soldiers Council in Washington D.C. in 2017 until completion of his term in 2022. He is the deputy medical director for Jefferson County and the medical director for the Hospice of Jefferson County. Kasulke is also an Army Reserve Ambassador.