59.0°,
Mostly Cloudy Paying tribute to the military veterans in Cedarhurst
The rain did not stop the Village of Cedarhurst from paying tribute to the veterans on Veterans Day. In conjunction with the Lawrence Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339, a ceremony was held for the veterans and the brave men and women serving in the armed forces on Nov. 11.
Inside Village Hall, the event began at 11 a.m., the traditional time that marked the end of World War I in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Once called Armistice Day, the day became Veterans Day in 1954, to honor all military personnel.
United States Army veteran Frank Basile Sr., who died on Aug. 16, was highlighted at the ceremony. American Legion Post 339Vice Commander Al Landi paid tribute to the late veteran and his friend. “Frank Basile was a good guy in our organization,” Landi said. “He was a good man, and I never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He always helped us with any events we had and I’m sorry he passed this year.”
Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock shared the meaning of the holiday to him, “Today is a day where we honor our nations veterans,” he said. “Not a day of mourning, but a day of honor, and we gather for that purpose. To all the veterans here today, I say without hesitation that you are part of the unbroken chain of patriots who served this country in honor, dignity and sacrifice.”
Assemblyman Ari Brown expressed his appreciation to the veterans all across the nation and in attendance by recognizing them for the ultimate sacrifice they took. Brown shared a special moment with the veterans by thanking and shaking each of their hands sitting behind him. He said he regretted not serving during Desert Storm and thanked the veterans for something he didn’t do. “The bravery, the heroism, the sacrifice you did for us and continue to do, I thank you, and we all thank you for that,” Brown said.
The ceremony, initially scheduled to be at Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park, was moved to Village Hall, which is immediately across Cedarhurst Avenue. The park is named in honor of longtime Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise, a WWII veteran.
Post 339 Commander and Cedarhurst resident Syd Mandelbaum paid his respects to the former mayor by asking those in attendance to rise for a moment of silence. Parise also served as a commander for the post.
