Calhoun salutes Bellmore-Merrick's veterans

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Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s Senior Day celebration on Nov. 2 had more than one meaning, as veterans from the Bellmore-Merrick area were honored with a veterans’ salute during halftime. The ceremony was organized by the Calhoun Touchdown Organization, headed by Susan Turrini.
Before the start of the football game between the Colts and the John F. Kennedy High School Cougars, the Vietnam War Veteran Association Post 1 presented the color guard, and State Assemblyman David McDonough lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. McDonough is a veteran of the Air Force and the Coast Guard.
At halftime, Calhoun and Kennedy’s cheer and kickline teams acted as flag bearers to create a tunnel down the center of the field to the 50-yard line. One by one, veterans from various posts were introduced as they walked through the tunnel, each receiving riotous cheers from the crowd.
Veterans from the Bellmore VFW Post 2770, the Bellmore American Legion Post 948, the North Bellmore American Legion Post 1749, the Merrick VFW Post 1310, the Merrick American Legion Post 1282, the Vietnam War Veteran Association Post 1, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School district and that are parents of high school students were recognized.
At the end of the ceremony, John Pinto, of Merrick, was presented with the Colts Football Wall of Honor Award.

— Alyssa Seidman