Veterans Day in Oceanside

Roughly 40 Oceanside residents and veterans gathered in front of Oceanside High School on a warm breezy fall morning to celebrate Veterans Day. The ceremony was attended by the high school’s Patriot Club, county legislator Laura Curran, district court judge Gary Knobel, Nassau County representative Michael D’Ambrosio and Oceanside Community Service President, Robert Transom.

“We’re here to honor our veterans and thank them all for their service,” said Oceanside High School student and Patriot Club member Camila Filpo. Jewish War Veterans Post 717 Commander, John Robbins, led the Nov. 11 ceremony and veteran Buddy Epstein played taps in honor of the soldiers who didn’t return home.

Epstein also spoke without his trumpet. “All of us veterans should be very proud of ourselves,” he said. “The country called and we answered.”

Robert Transom also spoke and praised members of the Patriot Club for refurbishing the soldiers’ memorial in front of the school. The club members read off the names featured on the memorial of Oceanside soldiers who died in the line of duty.

“Today’s freedom has been paid for by the men and women in uniform,” said veteran and attorney Michael Wolkow. The ceremony ended with the attendees singing “America the Beautiful.”

“God bless our veterans, our troops and God bless the USA,” said Robbins.