Glen Cove residents, elected officials and military veterans gathered at the Glen Cove Public Library on Nov. 11 to honor those who served in the nation’s armed forces, recognizing Vietnam War veteran Robert “Bob” Hanan for his courage in combat and continued dedication to fellow veterans.
The city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony, co-hosted by the mayor’s office and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 347, celebrated Hanan’s military service and the sacrifices made by generations of American service members. Hanan, who moved to Glen Cove in 2022, was selected for the recognition by his fellow veterans.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck described the honor as particularly meaningful because Hanan had been chosen by those who understood the experiences and responsibilities of military service. She emphasized the importance of remembering those who served, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “His service to his country and continued dedication to fellow veterans exemplify the spirit of Veterans Day,” Panzenbeck said.
Hanan was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 and served with the 4th Infantry Division until 1967. After completing training at Fort Lewis in Washington state, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he spent 11 months.
Although originally trained as a radio teletype operator, Hanan was reassigned to combat duty for two months after his unit suffered casualties. His service earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. Hanan’s contributions did not end when he returned home from Vietnam.
After his discharge, Hanan worked as a radio teletype operator for three years before pursuing higher education. He earned an undergraduate degree from Baruch College, a master’s degree from Lehman College and his certified public accountant license.
His career included teaching at Queens College, Baruch College and Palm Beach Community College before concluding his professional life with the Internal Revenue Service.
Howard Stillwagon, commander of the post, reflected on the shared commitment that unites veterans across generations, regardless of whether they experienced combat. He noted that military service brings together Americans from different backgrounds, ages and experiences through a common willingness to defend their country.
“Not all veterans have served in war, but a common bond that they share is an oath in which they express their willingness to die defending this nation,” Stillwagon said. “First and foremost, we owe them our freedom. And today, especially, we owe them our gratitude.”
Stillwagon reflected on the origins of Veterans Day, which traces its history to Nov. 11, 1918, when an armistice ended the fighting in World War I. Originally observed as Armistice Day to honor those who served in that conflict, the holiday was expanded in 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing its name to Veterans Day, recognizing American veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in military service, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served in the nation’s armed forces, both living and deceased.
When Hanan addressed those gathered Wednesday, his remarks were brief, expressing gratitude for an honor he considered deeply meaningful.
“I just want to say thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime honor,” Hanan said, thanking Stillwagon, fellow VFW members and Panzenbeck for their support.
Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton also praised Glen Cove’s longstanding commitment to veterans, acknowledging the efforts of current and former mayors to recognize their service.
Her remarks included a personal syory of Anthony “Tony” Jimenez, a decorated Vietnam veteran, former Glen Cove councilman and longtime veterans advocate who died in April at age 74.
“This is my first Veterans Day without Tony Jimenez,” DeRiggi-Whitton said, recalling how he would text her to pick him up early for the annual ceremony. “I just miss him so much”
“To all of our veterans, may we honor you each and every day, not just on Veterans Day,” Panzenbeck said. “Your bravery has secured our freedom, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
