On November 11 the retirement of one of the most celebrated caisson horses of the U.S. Army was announced at Equine Advocates Rescue and Sanctuary, on Route 66 in Chatham. His name is Sergeant York and for 25 years he served as the riderless horse for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery including that of former President Ronald Reagan and General Colin Powell. A citation for the occasion was drafted by Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and read out by Equine Advocates President and Founder Susan Wagner (second from l). Columbia County Veterans Service Agency Director Gary Flaherty (l) also spoke. The Caisson Platoon is part of the Third Infantry and horses chosen must have the unflappable temperament and black or gray coloration. When large crowds are assembled and cannon salutes are performed the horse must be able to remain calm. Born in 1991, Sergeant York is a standardbred race horse who had a brief racing career under the name Allaboard Jules before joining the Army in 1997. Holding his halter was Melissa Murray, equine care manager and fellow U.S. Army veteran. Photo by David Lee