By Liz McBreen
Veterans of World War II William Colye and Michael Tetro and veteran of the Korean War, Thomas Bennet were joined in the auditorium of Covert Avenue School by their wives, children and grandchildren for their long awaited commencement ceremony on July 31.
"This is a long time coming, and it feels great," said Bennet, adding, "my grandchildren are very proud." Bennet joined the Army at 18, worked for the Post Office after returning from the service.
The veterans are receiving their diplomas as part of Operation Recognition, a bill put into effect by New York State. "These men all did something great for us, and I am honored to be part of a program that helps them get something they have deserved for a long time," said Assemblyman Alfano.
Coyle enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and he says that his fellow soldiers became a second family to him. "We saw 850 air raids and continuous suicide bombers." After being stationed in Okanawa for 52 days, Coyle and his fleet were told that they were going to Japan. "They said that one million of us would die during our time in Japan, but then America dropped the bomb, and the war came to an end."
After joining the Army at 19, Tetro traveled in France, Belgium and Germany for six months before returning home due to an injury. He worked for the Post Office for forty years after his return to the states. "Graduating today feels great. I've been out of school since 1942. I guess it's about time," said Tetro.
Elmont Summer School Principal Dennis Cowan was the Master of Ceremonies for the graduation. In welcoming the veterans, Cowan said, "These three men are fine examples of American patriotism in our country. This was a great educational opportunity for our young people."
Leaving home to fight for their country at a young age, Bennet, Coyle and Tetro missed out on their original graduation day, and all the festivities that young people today are able to take for granted because of these veterans.
Fire Commissioner Ralph Esposito, who is also a veteran and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, was present to help honor the three soldiers. "Now that our country is at war, our young people can see up close what sacrifices are really made to live in freedom through these three people who are our neighbors," said Esposito.
During the ceremony, students from the Elmont school district, members of both the Elmont and Franklin Square Fire Departments, teachers and community members read letters sent to the three vets congratulating them on their graduation day. Among those who sent their regards were President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Governor George Pataki, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Diego Pimentel, who is a recent graduate of Gotham Avenue School read the letter from Bush. "As a veteran you served our nation with honor and courage, earning the gratitude of all Americans," wrote the president. "We live in the comforts of peace and enjoy the gifts of freedom because of brave people like you."
Elmont teacher Anthony Torlincasi saluted Bennet, Coyle and Tetro as a fellow veteran. Torlincasi commended the three men on their selflessness, and the sacrifice they made in setting aside their own education to defend their country. Antoinette Pepitone, another teacher in Elmont presented each of the veterans with an autographed copy of 'The Greatest Generation' by Tom Brokaw. The book chronicles the generation of men and women who marched off to a bloody war as children, and returned as adults, not necessarily having aged many years, but because of what they had experienced during war.
Deanna Doreson, the President of the Elmont school board, thanked the veterans for giving the children of her district and every other district in America the freedoms that they enjoy everyday. "Thank you for giving of yourselves when you could have chosen to stay behind and finish your education," said Doreson.
"High school graduation is one of the best times in your life," said Alfano, "and these three veterans missed out on it because they chose to respond to the needs of their country. These men are true heroes."
These three veterans continue to serve their communities, remaining involved in several organizations and attending school and community events. Bennet is the Coordinator of the POW MIAs in Nassau County. Tetro and Coyle are active members of the VFW and American Legion where they help coordinate numerous community events.
The graduation ceremony itself was a symbol of the community's gratitude to these men. It was organized by community members, students, Alfano, who was aided by his staff of interns, and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Maria Palandra.
Covert Avenue Summer School Principals Cowan and Stacia Alexander helped by involving the children in the ceremony. The students in the Elmont Summer Enrichment program and art classes entertained the audience with their musical skills, as well as artistic abilities. A band and an orchestra played several songs each, and the chorus sang a rousing medley of patriotic songs for the honored guests. The veterans were also presented with cards created by the art classes.
As the vets were handed their diplomas, sixty years after they left their high schools, Tetro looked at his wife sitting in the crowd and said, "What do you think hun, NYU?"
