By:Nicole Falco
If he was a little younger than his 81 years, Irwin Purisch would re-enlist in the Air Force to aid America in its war against terrorism just as he had aided her during World War II.
Joe Marando, a veteran of the Korean War, echoed Purisch's sentiments and said after seeing the WTC attacked, "I know the feeling of combat and I felt it all over again...I would have put my uniform back on if I could still fit in it."
Marando, who is a member of Valley Stream's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1790, and Purisch, who is the Post Commander of Valley Stream's Jewish War Veterans organization are just two examples of why this Veterans Day, like every Veterans Day before it, is so significant.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs calls Veterans Day, "a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."
November 11 was chosen in recognition of Nov. 11, 1918, which marked the end of WW I.
Marando, 68, was quick to point out that unlike Memorial Day, which recognizes those who died fighting for America, Veterans Day is intended to recognize all those who have served in the armed forces in both peace and war time and is largely intended for those who are alive.
However, most veterans will admit that there is something about this Veterans Day that is different. The difference is, of course, due to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 and the ensuing conflict in Afghanistan.
"I think it's going to mean a lot more to a lot of people knowing that our military personnel are involved in military action over in Afghanistan," stated George Schuchman, post commander, American Legion Post No. 854. "I think it will mean a lot more to me."
Schuchman, 47, served in the Navy from 1972 to 1975 and has been a New York City Police Officer for the past 20 years. Schuchman stated that since Sept. 11 there has been a complete turn around in how New Yorkers view the police department.
"I week or two before this happened, nobody respected us. From then to now it's like, 'How ya doing officer? You're doing a great job,' It's a nice feeling [having] people calling us heroes," Schuchman said.
Mike Deegan, 34, is a member of American Legion Post No. 854. He served in the army from 1993-1998 and is now a major in the army reserves. He has similar views.
"Regular citizens have more awareness or respect for our men in uniform protecting national interests both abroad and at home," Deegan said. "There's a greater appreciation. When I'm in [army] uniform people want to buy me a cup of coffee, a sandwich...I get waves from people when I'm stopped at a light. I'm sure it approaches what was done during WW II times."
Sept. 11 made Americans more aware of the freedoms that they have been enjoying since the American Revolution.
"It gives the American public the reality of life...we've lived in Disney World the whole time," stated Bruce Morton, 65, a Korean War veteran who is now a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1790.
"We never had this [display of patriotism] because they never realized how good they have it because of veterans," added Greg Feist, post commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1790.
Feist, who was a corporal in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, knows first- hand what it feels like to serve in battle for your country only to be looked down upon once you've returned.
"I was shunned. I was almost embarrassed to be in uniform. No one saluted me, no one said anything to me," Feist said.
This time, patriotism is in full swing. Flags are proudly displayed, patriotic songs are on the play lists of "top 40" radio stations and although the holidays are almost two months away, Americans are all just a little bit nicer to each other.
"I am proud that people are patriotic and are going back to church again," Maranda said, but added that he hoped the patriotism would be evidenced in peace time as well.
