By Historian Duane Cornell

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors honored Arthur William Wilsey on Tuesday, Oct. 15 as part of its Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony, coordinated by The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency. Bill, as he was known here in Greenfield, served in WWII from 1943-1946 as part of Company F, 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division. He participated in battles in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, most notably in the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, he came to Greenfield and began a chicken farm on land given to him by his grandfather, whose family has been here since the 1800s. He would peddle his eggs to families and businesses throughout the county. Bill started working for the NYSDOT in 1965 and retired in 1982.

The ceremony was held at the Saratoga County building on McMaster Street in Ballston Spa. It was attended by Bill’s family, county and state officials. A flag that previously flew at the U.S. Capitol was presented to the family by Congressman Paul Tonko. That flag was then raised at the County building, by the American Legion, including a rifle salute and taps. It will fly for 30 days and then will be returned to the family.

This program began in 1999 to honor our local veterans who have passed for their service and sacrifice. The honorees are chosen by the board on a rotating basis. To date, more than 300 Saratoga County veterans have been honored.