Island Park honors those who served and those who now serve

Under a bright blue sky with a brisk wind blowing the community of Island Park gathered at the War Memorial to honor those who served our nation. Led by American Legion Post 1029 Commander John Marino, ringed by the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 1029 and Cub Scout Pack 312, read a moving tribute to those who served and returned to build our nation to even greater heights, and those who now protect our nation. Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty, Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D'Esposito, Fire Chief James Sarro and members of the Island Park Fire Department attended.

Marino took an extra moment to add some of his own thoughts to the prepared program. He took a moment to recall those left behind. "To those that have not returned to their families," he said. "Those that have been left behind from Korea, Vietnam, World War I and II, thankfully not now. We remember them on this day."

The Island Park Fire Department presented the colors and rang a bell 11 times, commemorating Nov.11,1919, Armistice Day, the end of hostilities between the Americans and Germans in World War I.

Congress passed a resolution in 1926 to set aside a day for an annual observance and Veterans Day became a national holiday in 1938. Veterans Day pays tribute to all veterans, living or dead, who served honorably in war and in peace.