BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the names of dozens of servicemen and women were read off during a ceremony honoring Hispanic Veterans at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, it was three names that grabbed the moment.
LS2 Jorge Colon, SSG Winston Colon, and MAJ. Karen Colon.
The family of service members didn't know they were about to be honored, but Milly Colon had laid a secret plan.
"My brother is Navy retired, my other brother is Army retired, and my sister-in-law is still active duty in the Army," Colon said.
Milly Colon and her brothers had been planning to purchase an engraved paver for the Hispanic Veterans Monument in Buffalo, in memory of their father, PFC Jorge Colon Ramos, who recently passed away.
But instead of one paver, Milly bought two and on the 75th anniversary of Veterans Day, she broke the news to her family over video chat. A shriek of excitement and tears followed.
"They had no idea, so that was pretty cool that we pulled it off and we were able to honor their sacrifice all these years," Colon said.
The family called in from Puerto Rico, Texas, and New Hampshire. The distance didn't matter, but the recognition did.
Colon said she hopes her surprise gesture inspires others to thank or honor a Veteran.
"The more that we show the love and the respect for the men and women who served our country, we'll be able to understand and respect that service."
