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Light Rain Honoring Valley Stream's heroes
On Nov. 11, the nation will celebrate Veterans Day. People across America will honor the brave, strong servicemen and women who protected our country, and fought for our freedoms.
For the nation’s veterans, including the many members of the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, they will remember their experiences, fighting in wars abroad, building friendships, and, for some, recounting the fear of war, said several veterans from Valley Stream.
Members of the American Legion Post No. 854 and the Catholic War Veterans of America sat down with the Herald to talk about what Veterans Day means to them.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 854
George Schuchman
Age: 57
Fought in: Vietnam War
Military service: Airman, U.S. Navy,
1972-75
Awards: National Defense medal, Navy Sea Service ribbon
Career: Retired New York City police
officer, 20 years
What does Veterans Day mean to you: “It shows our country appreciates our service, and the sacrifice of men and women.”
How should Americans honor veterans: “I think all we would like is to see people wearing vet gear. And if someone says ‘thank you for your service,’ that’s enough for me.”
Marty Kielawa
Age: 61
Fought in: Vietnam War
Military service: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1970-72
Medals: Army commendation medal, Vietnam campaign ribbon, two air medals, Bronx Star, National Defense ribbon, Combat Infantry badge
Career: Retired mail carrier for U.S. Postal Service, 36 years
What does Veterans Day mean to you: “I always think of two guys in Vietnam when I went that were killed.”
How should Americans honor veterans: “I have gotten ‘thank yous.’ That’s more than enough for me.”
Victor LaTorre
Age: 56
Fought in: Participated in “War on Terror”
Military service: Staff sergeant, U.S. Army
Medals: Army medal, 2005
Career: New York City bus driver, 10 years
What does Veterans Day mean to you: “It means a lot. It reminds me of the freedom today we earned…the high price some paid for that freedom. I wish youngsters would decide to join the Army, someone has to keep on going.”
