Friday, November 6, 2026
November is the month of Veterans Day. While we should celebrate our veterans every day, the 11th of November is set aside as the official day. In Glen Cove we honor our veterans with a ceremony at the Dough Boy, the monument on the property of the public library. There are the traditional speeches, and each year an honoree is chosen by the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The 2026 honoree is Robert Hanan, a Vietnam War combat veteran. I was introduced to Bob, and found him to be a humble, pleasant gentleman. He is so grateful for this honor. Joining him at the ceremony will be his wife of 57 years, Andrea, along with their son, Dean, daughter-in-law, Christina, and two grandchildren, ages 13 and 11.
After living in the Palm Beach area of Florida, the Hanans moved to Glen Cove in 2022 to be closer to their grandchildren. A very special congratulations to the Hanan family.
Bob was drafted into the Army in 1965, and served until 1967 with the Fourth Infantry Division. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Reflecting on his time in the Army, he said he was proud of the opportunity he was given to serve his country, and recognized the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
After completing his military service, Hanan utilized the skills he acquired in the Army, working as a radio teletype operator before earning his undergraduate degree from Baruch College and his master’s from Lehman College, and becoming an accountant. Throughout his career, he worked as an adjunct instructor at Queens College, Baruch College Continuing Education, and Palm Beach Community College. He finished his career at the Internal Revenue Service.
Hanan’s commitment to veterans continued long after his military service ended. While living in Florida, he was active in the Vietnam Veterans of America, serving as treasurer. After moving to Glen Cove, he joined VFW Post 347, maintaining his connection to the veterans community.
In Glen Cove we pay honor to our veterans all year long. On a personal note, before I was mayor, I accepted the challenge of the refurbishment of the city’s veterans monuments. I thank some of our local Boy Scouts, who were happy to take on the challenges of renovating or refurbishing local monuments for their Eagle Scout Projects. They all did amazing work for us, and for that we are eternally grateful.
When I was a brand-new mayor in 2022, Lydia Wen, a local resident and the wife of a veteran, approached me to ask for support for the Glen Cove Salutes banner project. I couldn’t say yes, yes, yes quickly enough. These veterans banners are on display in Morgan Park from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. It’s such a popular project, and we thank Lydia for taking it on. She is currently sponsored by Post 347 and the Tribute and Honor Foundation. It’s a labor of love for both entities.
In addition, the foundation hosts an inspirational gala every February, honoring local veterans and supporters. It’s genuinely a feel-good event on a cold Winter night. If you love to support veterans, this is your opportunity to do so.
In addition to Seven Marathons in Seven Days each Spring, Team EVA — Every Veteran Appreciated — hosts a marathon on Veterans Day to raise money and awareness for veterans. The organization is currently planning drive-up events in Nassau and Suffolk counties that will offer veterans frozen turkeys and trimmings on a first-come, first-served basis. “Every Veteran Appreciated Every Single Day” is the theme for Team EVA.
During this season when we have so much to be thankful for, stop and visit one of Glen Cove’s monuments to veterans and take the time to read the names. Say a simple prayer or a quiet thank-you to them. When you’re out and meet up with a veteran, thank him or her. You’ll bring a smile to his or her face.
Where would we be without their sacrifice? I can’t imagine.
Pamela Panzenbeck is the mayor of Glen Cove.
