Honoring those who sacrificed all

Bundled up against a biting wind, veterans, residents, police and fire department representatives and elected officials gathered for the village’s commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on Monday morning at the Mill River Centennial Park overlook.

The event was sponsored by American Legion Post 303, and its commander, Gus Lanzo, and adjutant, Joe Scarola, welcomed the small crowd.

After an invocation and the presentation of colors, Mayor Mary Bossart paid tribute to those who have fought and died in defense of the nation’s freedom. She made special mention of those currently fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sen. Dean Skelos followed, saying that Rockville Centre “never forgets.” It is incumbent upon us, Skelos said, to reflect on our country’s veterans, who made our freedoms — the ability to vote, debate and dissent, as well as the orderly transfer of power — what they are today. Rockville Centre is a great community, Skelos said, and the veterans who made it possible deserve residents’ thanks.

Scarola referred to the 2,335 service members and 85 civilians who died in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — the first unprovoked attack on U.S. soil. Our greatest victory in World War II, Scarola said, “took place not on the field of battle, but in nations we once counted as foes. The ideals of democracy and liberty have triumphed in a world once threatened with conquest and despotism.

“World War II is long over,” he continued, “but today we face other evils and challenges in the world, and the American spirit needs to be re-galvanized to achieve victory. The ideals of freedom, democracy and liberty need to once again defeat the forces of evil and aggression, and hopefully again give birth to new democracies that make our enemies our friends.”

The speeches were followed by the tossing of a wreath into Mill River by World War II veterans George Antonucci and Peter Scaturro. After a moment of silence, a benediction and the retirement of the colors, attendees were invited back to the American Legion post for food and refreshments.

Among those who attended were Deputy Mayor Chuck Joyce, Trustees Dave Krasula and Ed Oppenheimer, former Mayor Gene Murray, Assemblyman Bob Barra, former Fire Chief Mike Lapkowski, 1st Assistant Fire Chief John Busching, police Lt. Glenn Quinn, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tony Brunetta, former Trustees Jeanne Mulry and Tom Glynn and Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby.

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