By Anthony Rifilato
Baldwin High School students did their part to recognize Veterans Day last week. On Friday, Nov. 10, about 20 students gathered on the corner of Ethel T. Kloberg Drive and Grand Avenue, urging drivers to honk their horns in support of those who fought or sacrificed themselves as members of the United States military.
About 20 students gathered on both sides of Grand Avenue, and most drivers acknowledged their requests by honking horns, wooing and cheering the teens on.
"Everyone wanted to get out to show their support," said sophomore Nick Farano, who animatedly urged drivers to honk and repeatedly yelled "Honk your horns for veterans."
"Everyone was really supportive," Farano said. "Some people made a U-turn just to honk again."
Farano explained that students - mostly seniors and juniors - had gathered informally after school. He said that because the school was open on Friday - on a day when most were closed - students felt the need to recognize Veteran's Day in their own way.
The Baldwin community also gathered to honor its veterans. A memorial service was held last Saturday, Nov. 11, at Silver Lake Park - where there is a Veterans memorial - an annual event sponsored by the American legion.
The Baldwin Fire Department and Nassau County Police Department were on hand for the ceremony, as were residents who paid their respects to two soldiers from Baldwin who were killed in Iraq: Marine Sergeant Julian Arechaga, who was killed last month, and Army Specialist Wilfredo Urbina, who was killed in 2004.
"Not everyone comes home, so we have to support the troops," Farano said.
