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Black Pegasus holds veterans appreciation day

| 28 Sep 2016 | 11:20
    At left, retired Army Lt. Col. and Chaplain Ernie Kosa offered a prayer of invocation as he stood beside Vietnam War Veteran Frank Arminio of Stanhope.
    At left, retired Army Lt. Col. and Chaplain Ernie Kosa offered a prayer of invocation as he stood beside Vietnam War Veteran Frank Arminio of Stanhope.
    Franklin Theresa and Ian Sherwood are shown with their daughters Lily, 4, and Lexi, 2, during their veteransþÄô picnic at Black Pegasus at Sherwood Farms. When asked about what prompted their generosity, Mrs. Sherwood responded, þÄúI donþÄôt think our country does enough for veterans.þÄù
    Franklin Theresa and Ian Sherwood are shown with their daughters Lily, 4, and Lexi, 2, during their veteransþÄô picnic at Black Pegasus at Sherwood Farms. When asked about what prompted their generosity, Mrs. Sherwood responded, þÄúI donþÄôt think our country does enough for veterans.þÄù
    Everyone enjoyed being around horses and especially 18-hand tall Clydesdale þÄúElvis.þÄù
    Everyone enjoyed being around horses and especially 18-hand tall Clydesdale þÄúElvis.þÄù
    Entertainment included Entertainment included riding demonstrations and well as actual horseback riding.
    Entertainment included Entertainment included riding demonstrations and well as actual horseback riding.

FRANKLIN — Veterans Day celebrations began six weeks early this year. More than 150 veterans and their families attended the 1st Annual Veterans Appreciation Day at The Black Pegasus at Sherwood Farm, a family owned and operated equine boarding and riding facility in Franklin.
President Frank Arminio, Peter and Teresa Esposito, and other members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 327 helped host the event, which gave special recognition to Ernie Kosa, a tireless advocate for veteran’s issues and the namesake of the Ernie Kosa Veteran Support Center.
Opening ceremonies included musical performances by Glen Dingman playing “Taps” on bugle and Mark Noyes on bagpipes. After welcoming words, the guests were entertained by an array of horses from The Black Pegasus at Sherwood Farm. The Parade of Breeds, led by Kadin (owner Jenn Nebel) entered the arena proudly carrying the American flag. Guests enjoyed hearing the story of Elvis, the Farm’s resident Clydesdale, who was a service and security horse before coming to live at The Black Pegasus. The show continued with a horse jumping demonstration by Brian Kilgo-Kelly and horse rides around the arena for children and adults.
After a picnic lunch, the Doo Wop group RB Express sang oldies, much appreciated by the audience. Door prizes, ice cream, and free time to explore the tranquil 90-acre farm filled the afternoon. Ian Sherwood, co-owner of the farm, commented,
“We gave them back a fraction of what they’ve given to us – let’s start planning for the 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day!” Ian Sherwood, co-owner of the farm, said.
— Photos by Chris Wyman