Saturday, November 7, 2026
Freeport resident and veteran Marie Carmel Houanche was recently honored during the 2026 Annual Veterans Hall of Honor Ceremony. The event was hosted by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who also gave honored 12 other residents in her district.
The Oct. 18 ceremony was held at the Malverne American Legion Post 44. Veterans, their families, friends and local officials attended and celebrated the honorees.
Houanche, who has lived in the village for about 40 years, served as an U.S. army chaplain for two decades. Since living active service, she has continued to care for her community and fellow veterans as a registered nurse and as chaplain of Freeport’s American Legion William Clinton Post 342.
Additionally, Houanche serves on the executive committee of the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP and chairs the Veterans Committee. She said that this award means a great deal to her.
“I proudly served my country and the Village of Freeport,” Houanche said. “This recognition represents honor, appreciation and recognition of my continued commitment to serving others. …I hope this recognition encourages others to continue serving, leading and giving back to their communities.”
She is no stranger to awards, having been recognized for her service on local and statewide levels. One of her most notable accomplishments was being inducted in to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2023. State Senator Kevin Thomas nominated Houanche while he was the representative for Senate District 6.
In addition to Freeport’s Houanche, the selected 2026 Veterans Hall of Honor honorees hailed from Baldwin, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream, all of which are housed in Assembly District 21.
“These remarkable veterans remind us that service can be a lifelong commitment,” Griffin said in a press release. “Their willingness to support their neighbors, share their experience and continue giving their time and talents represents the very best of Assembly District 21 and the greater community.”
Some of the officials in attendance to celebrate the honored veterans included Freeport’s Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, who is also a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan, Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray.
