Bellmore honors veterans

Bellmorites paid tribute to veterans on Thursday morning, Veterans Day. Members of American Legion Post No. 948 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2770 held the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park off Bedford Avenue.

Commander Vincent Montera addressed the crowd and thanked the Boy Scouts from Troop 192 and the Girl Scouts from troops 924, 908, and 3412 for attending.

Boy Scout Brian Spickerman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill McKenna, the senior vice commander and former post commander, said it was great to see so many young people. “It’s a very nice ceremony; we try to make everybody know that this is for all veterans. Memorial Day is for veterans that didn’t come home. Today is for all veterans.” McKenna served in the Vietnam War.

Michael O’Brien also attended with his wife, Melissa, and their three young children. O’Brien served as a staff sergeant in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It’s important to remember those who are currently serving, O’Brien noted. “It means a lot,” he said. “It’s nice to reflect on everything and everybody who served before us and those who are serving now.”