Before Veterans Day was officially recognized, the U.S. Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775 — a date still honored by service members today. Uniondale High School chose that day to host its annual Veterans Day ceremony and breakfast, bringing students, veterans and community members together to pay tribute to those who have served.
With a solemn salute and the sound of drums, the schools Knights Battalion presented the colors in the Little Theater.
Dozens of students who are members of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps arrived in uniform, joined by teachers, elected officials and local veterans. They gathered in the auditorium to hear from local leaders and service members who shared the personal and collective meaning of sacrifice, service and remembrance.
“It’s the history of our country, and it’s important to see the sacrifices,” said Maj. Anthony Telesca, the senior Army instructor for Uniondale’s JROTC. “We want to do something to try and protect our country.”
Toward the end of the ceremony, Telesca presented a slide show of highlights in America’s military history — from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam — using powerful imagery, with musical accompaniment. Some slides showed battlefields. Others depicted groups of soldiers smiling and hugging. Each carried a different message, bringing tears to some students’ eyes.
District Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil opened the celebration by thanking the veterans and sharing her own connections to military service. She comes from a long line of service members, she said, including a great-grandparent and a relative who died in Vietnam.
Darrisaw-Akil launched the annual event three years ago, when she was first appointed superintendent, and said she wants to ensure that the tradition continues.
“Let us continue to work together, united in purpose, to ensure that this country lives up to the principles written in our founding documents,” she said. “And that we give our veterans the absolute best care and support that they have truly earned — we thank you for your service.”
State Sen. Siela Bynoe, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of honoring those who have served, and ensuring that they are protected today.
“It’s important that we acknowledge their great sacrifice,” Bynoe said. “I do think it’s important that students understand the history of those who would have sacrificed their lives.”
She also highlighted her efforts in Albany to support and protect veterans, including a new law she helped pass that cracks down on fraud against them. The legislation makes it illegal to exploit veterans’ benefits, and creates a fund to expand services for them.
“I went to Albany to make sure that we bring resources back home for veterans,” Bynoe said, ending with a quote often attributed by U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on earth.” “To the veterans here today,” Bynoe added, “your invoice is marked ‘Paid in full.’”
Students also took part in the program, reciting poems and offering short reflections. Cadets sat alongside veterans of conflicts ranging from Vietnam to the Gulf War.
“They signed up to help their country, not always knowing where to begin,” Cadet Maj. Alessandra Magana read from a poem she wrote. “They miss birthdays, dances and holidays, some places they’ll never see for the opening of progress to keep us safe and free.
We salute you today and always for doing what needed to be done. You left so much behind so the rest of us could run,” she concluded.
After the ceremony, veterans and students had the chance to connect at a breakfast buffet prepared and served by the students. Some expressed thanks, while others listened to stories about military careers, deployments and life after service.
Among those who shared their stories was Fernando Bolando Gomez, a Venezuelan-born U.S. Navy sailor who joined during the pandemic and now serves as a recruiter. He said he believes in fate, and that he was meant to wear the uniform.
Bolando Gomez arrived in America alone at age 23, determined to build a life and support his family back home. His father had served in the Venezuelan military, and, he said, service was in his blood. But he saw more opportunity — and purpose — in serving the United States.
“I came here with $500 in my pocket,” he said. “No family, no support. I worked in restaurants, learned English at LaGuardia (Community College) and eventually got my green card. I never imagined I’d wear this uniform — but here I am.”
On the left side of a photo on his phone is a baby picture of him wearing a tiny U.S. Navy uniform. On the right is the adult version of himself, now proudly serving.
That sense of pride and purpose was echoed by Mike Cappello, commander of Uniondale’s American Legion post and an Army veteran who was drafted during the Vietnam War. Cappello recalled coming home from overseas 54 years ago, and being told to take off his uniform at Kennedy Airport for his own safety.
“Being in the military was not a good thing to be — you were treated badly most times,” Cappello recalled. “You never even brought up the idea that you were a veteran. Today, I’ve got to admit, we’ve come a beautiful way up.”
He addressed the students directly.
“You’re part of an elite group in this school,” he said. “You’re learning teamwork. You’re learning that people here are dependable — that they’ll always have your back — and that’s so important to learn.”
Cappello shared a plan he has for revitalizing the American Legion post and turning it into a place for programming and connection — especially for youth — with the help of Stacey Richardson, president of the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center, who hosts monthly community meetings.
He hopes to open the space during the week, and is working on bringing flagging ceremonies to local cemeteries to honor veterans’ graves.
“We want to give them a way to appreciate and participate in their own community,” he said of the youth.
The veterans were honored not only with applause, but also with official recognition, receiving a citation from newly elected Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, whose district includes portions of Uniondale, and a proclamation from Bynoe, celebrating their service and dedication.
