A true American is recognized

America Legion Post 335 members, family members and local dignitaries congratulated Francis X. Becker on his 70 years of continuous service and membership to the local American Legion. Picture were, from top left: John Zackmann, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Mike Guglielmo, Silvia Trott, Paul Pette, Commander Courtesy American Legion Post No. 335. Henry Speicher, Frank Quinn, Jay Korth, Tom Galati, Mayor Bill Hendrick, Geroge Heyen, Tom Finan. In front were, from left: Peggy Becker, Francis X. Becker Jr., Honoree Francis X. Becker, Hilary Becker and Bill Marinaccio.

Courtesy American Legion Post No. 335

A true American World War II veteran Francis X. Becker Sr. was honored by American Legion Post No. 335 in Lynbrook for his 70-year membership in the organization. Helping him celebrate were his sons Francis X. Becker Jr., left, and Hilary Becker.

Courtesy American Legion Post No. 335.

Francis X. Becker, center, with, from left, Mayor Bill Hendrick, Peggy Becker, Francis X. Becker Jr., American Legion Commander Henry Speicher, and Hilary Becker.

Courtesy American Legion Post No. 335

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Former Lynbrook mayor and New York State Supreme Court Justice Francis X. Becker Sr. was honored by the Lynbrook American Legion Post 335 in Lynbrook on April 7.

Becker was presented with a certificate for his faithful service and dedication during his 70 years of continuous membership in the American Legion. A gathering of local dignitaries, family, friends, and fellow Legionaries gathered to present him with a Certificate of Achievement.

“I can't thank the American Legion enough for the wonderful honor bestowed upon my dad, Francis X. Becker,” said Hilary Becker, who also serves as a Village trustee. “The American Legion was one of the first organizations in our great country's history to make sure that our veterans are being properly cared for. It was important then, and it's important now. Like so many others, my dad lost several of his close friends during the war, and I'm sure that this is why the Legion was so important to my dad and that he remained an active member for all those years.” Hilary went on to thank all the veterans “who've given so much to preserve and protect our country, and especially to the families of those that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“The entire Becker Family is very grateful for the wonderful ceremony held last  Thursday in honor of our Dad’s 70 years as a member of the American Legion and Veteran of World War II,” said Francis X. Becker Jr., the former Nassau County Legislator. “Commander Hank Speicher and the entire membership present  made the event very special for our Dad, and one that will forever be remembered. In honoring him, we are reminded of all our veterans, past and present, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, who fought that our country may be the bastion of freedom it is today.”

Commander Henry Speicher called Francis X. Becker a “great man” and a “smart man.”

“His patriotism is to be commended,” said Speicher. “He participated a lot in the American Legion early on, and has stayed a member and involved through the years.”

A collation was held at the post afterward in his honor.