Veterans Day 2022

Posted: November 11, 2022

Mayor Marie Potter addressed those in attendance at the VFW Post 7333 Veterans Day ceremony which took place on November 11, 2022.

Good morning.

Thank you members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7333, and the Ladies Auxiliary for the invitation to, and continuance of, this reverent Veterans Day ceremony. Thank you also to family members, friends, and Randolph residents for being present today, Veterans Day, as we gather with purpose to honor and thank those who served—as well as to thank those who are presently serving to protect our great nation.

For all veterans here with us today—a sincere thank you.

Every veteran has a story. Most families have a story about a veteran. It would be very difficult to understand everything involved, but at times we are gifted with a glimpse into what a veteran and their family has sacrificed.

I was given information about the lives of 2 veterans here in Randolph by Mrs. Alice Knothe. Two young men who were best friends. In fact, their families, the Knothes and the Brundages lived right across the street from each other. On one side of Millbrook Avenue, where the Knothe Farm still stands, lived Peter Knothe. On the other side of Millbrook Avenue, in the white house that is now our Randolph Historical Society Museum, lived Robert Peter Brundage—who was also called Peter. Both young men were called to serve in World War II.

A letter from Jane Brundage, sister of Robert Peter, to her brother’s best friend Pete Knothe reads in part: “Dear Pete, this is sort of a hard thing to have to tell you. Peter was killed in action…your mother said you would read about it…I thought you’d rather hear about it in a letter. We got the news last Tuesday.”

Pete Knothe was fighting in Germany when he received this letter.

His best friend Robert Peter Brundage was in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. From his military citation: “observing that one of his scouts had been buried by an artillery shell burst, Second Lieutenant Brundage unhesitatingly braved the intense fire to dig the helpless man out of the debris and carry him to a place of safety…Second Lieutenant Brundage valiantly remained with his platoon…to hurl grenades at the hostile emplacements, covering the safe withdrawal of his platoon. Although mortally wounded during this action, his aggressive leadership and intrepid fighting spirit served as an inspiration to his men, thereby reflecting great credit upon Second Lieutenant Brundage and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

Robert Peter Brundage received the Purple Heart.

Peter Knothe returned from World War II and lived a full life. His marriage to Alice Kemmerer Knothe lasted 71 years.

This history of Brundage and Knothe only represents one of the many stories within us all—and we bring those memories to the surface today—with a heart filled with sincere thanks to all our veterans for their service to our country.

Today let us keep in our thoughts and prayers all who secured our freedoms. Let us remember in a special way the 19 Randolph young men that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

God bless our fallen soldiers. God bless our veterans. God bless America, and God bless Randolph.

Veterans, thank you for your service.