By JOSEPH KELLARD
For the first time, Cub Scouts from Pack 230 in Oceanside joined with their elders in the annual Veterans Day ceremony that honors them and other war veterans at the post. While Thomas, Conner and future scouts Kevin Paul, 4, and Alex Marsden, 2, lowered the flag with the commander, "Taps" blared and a bell was rung 11 times marking the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, then known as Armistice Day and, later, Veterans Day.
"We came today to honor the people who died in war," Conner said during the post-ceremony gathering brunch inside the VFW post. Said Thomas, "We're here to do our duty to God and country."
The VFW is Cub Scout Pack 230's charter organization, and throughout the year the pack has been doing various activities alongside or for the VFW. Their participation in the Veterans Day ceremony helps earn them the rank of Bear.
Another first at this ceremony was Oceanside singer Danielle Reed, 18, who under a sunny sky, led the crowd of about 20 veterans and their families in "God Bless America" ‹ their collective voices rising above the Saturday morning traffic along Lawson.
"I appreciate that the veterans can come and remember this day together," Danielle said about her reasons for participating in the ceremony, "and the fellowship they have, and the important part the Ladies Auxiliary has played here."
Danielle's father, Jim Reed, deputy commissioner of Nassau County's Department of Consumer Affairs, was among others who gave brief speeches at the ceremony, including Michael Wilkow of the Oceanside American Legion and Marilyn Rule, president of the Ladies Auxiliary.
"Even at this very moment," Rule said in her speech, "men and women of our armed forces are giving the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in peace. We wish them well and that they return home safe and sound."
DiPasqua had similar thoughts when asked what Americans should do on this day. "Just take a moment out of your day today," he said, "to say a prayer for the troops who are fighting and that they all come home safe and soon."
When asked what Americans should remember on Veterans Day, Jim Johnson, a staff sergeant during two tours of Vietnam from 1967-68 and 1970-71, said, "Remember all the sacrifices in all our wars up to the current one."
Joe Marino, a World War II and Korean War veteran, noted that what he had to say was a cliché that we hear at this time. "But it's true: On this day we have to remember the veterans for what they did, and not that it's a sale day to go shopping Š Too often, people forget. Try not to forget, and fly the flag."
Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
