A day for the veterans

Ed Moreines, at left, Charles Franza, Todd Goldfarb of the Town of Hempstead, Carmine Cella, Tom Nicoletti, James Carbone (in back), Stephanie Rossetti, John Mallico, Al Caggiano, John Errico, and Cliff Way, in front, were all honored.

David Weingrad/Herald

Caggiano showed the Legion of Honour, which was presented to her husband, Al Caggiano, on June 6, by the French consulate in New York City in honor of his service in France during World War II.

David Weingrad/Herald

The veterans were presented with certificates of recognition by state Assemblyman Tom McKevitt. Above were Tom Nicoletti and John Mallico.

David Weingrad/Herald

Dozens of residents joined the veterans at the senior center, located at 1485 Front Street, for the festivities.

David Weingrad/Herald

Carmine Cella was one of the many veterans who adressed the audience alongside Phyllis Caggiano, who hosted the ceremony at the East Meadow Senior Center on June 8.

David Weingrad/Herald

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The veterans each took their turn at the podium, introducing themselves and providing a brief history of their service time many years ago. Nearly all of them served in World War II.

Their audience at the East Meadow Senior Center, on Front Street, applauded each one, and vocally expressed a heartfelt “thank you.”

It was a special day at the senior center on June 10, as the veterans who belong to the Town of Hempstead facility each arrived in their local Veterans of Foreign War Post 2736 uniform.

The ceremony, a joint celebration of Mother’s and Father’s Day, as well as the 71st anniversary of D-Day on June 6, was held to recognize and honor them for their service.

In all, 10 were honored — nine men and one woman, including Al Caggiano, James Carbone, Carmine Cella, John Errico, Charles Franza, John Mallico, Ed Moreines, Tom Nicoletti, Stephanie Rossetti and Cliff Way.

“They saved our country and they’re all good people,” said Phyllis Caggiano, the president of the senior center’s membership who hosted the ceremony. “I thought it would be nice to salute them.”

Her husband, Al Caggiano, 90, was recently bestowed with the Legion of Honour from the French consulate in New York City for his combat in France during World War II. He received the medal on June 8, two days before the ceremony.

Each honoree was also presented with a certificate of recognition from Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, thanking them for their service.

Todd Goldfarb, of the Town of Hempstead’s senior enrichment department, was also on hand to lend support. “We’re so blessed for you men and women,” he said to the veterans.. “And that’s why we’re here and can live our lives today. So thank you.”

While snacking on cake after the ceremony, it was clear that the veterans were appreciative of the support. It makes you feel good,” said Nicoletti, who will be 95 in March, and who, as a member of the Navy in World War II, participated in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. “It’s nice to see everyone respect you.”