Honor veterans in Lynbrook, East Rockaway

On a chilly November morning, Lynbrook veterans along with loved ones and members of the community gathered at the Doughboy Monument just north of the train station to commemorate veterans and victims of all wars. Despite cloudy skies, family and friends of the vets milled about the plaza, telling stories and recalling memories of the shared experience of war.
“We are proud of our veterans and the victory they brought home to us. We’re also proud that their death gave us the honor, and the liberty, and the peace for the nations of the world,” said Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick, quoting President Woodrow Wilson. After briefly speaking about the history of Veterans Day, the mayor stressed the importance of gratitude. “That should be our mantra, [to] thank every veteran for his services.”
Pat Nealon, commander of the Lynbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars, began his speech by citing some of the bylaws that govern the organization: “Our purposes are paternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational,” he said. “All the veterans assembled here today did just that.”
Gratitude was felt in both directions, as former VFW commander Pat Cardone’s directed his speech to all who attended the ceremony. “When you see veterans helping other veterans and helping the community and passing on knowledge of the past—that’s what we’re supposed to do,” Cardone said. “So, when we see people who didn’t serve come out and support us…and honor the veterans, it means a lot more because you guys aren’t obligated to do that.”
Cardone closed with, “I just want you to remember all the veterans today, tomorrow, and all the ones that didn’t come home.”

East Rockaway
On a dreary, overcast day, dozens of East Rockaway residents joined with local officials and veterans service organizations at the Veterans Triangle at Atlantic Avenue and Main Street on Nov. 11 to honor military personnel in all branches of the armed services.
“We remember those who served … and we will fulfill our sacred promise to our veterans and their families,” said Mayor Bruno Romano, one of the event’s speakers.
East Rockaway VFW Post 3350 Robert F. Garrison Post Commander Steve Owen said that Veterans Day is important for veterans living and dead. Addressing the new legislation for Vietnam vets, he said, “You are my heroes … you were there to answer the call.”
Dean Fenton, commander of the American Legion Post 958 in East Rockaway, said that the men and women of the military “risk their lives — from Bunker Bill to Bagdad, and that we should always remember that many veterans are homeless, jobless, or are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “Hire a veteran — they make our communities better.”