Community Corner

Veterans Honored Monday at Sunset Park

Tribute pays homage to men and women who have served honorably in the U.S. military.


By Rich Jacques 

On Veterans Day, service members of the past and present gathered in the band shell at Sunset Park for a brief ceremony which included traditional celebration, prayer and song — although attendance was somewhat low for the tribute.

Emcee of the annual Port Washington event was American Legion Post 509 Commander Arthur George.

"We didn't have too many civilians but all the veterans were here and as you could see, it was a very nice ceremony," said George, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Despite the poor civilian turnout, veterans picked up the slack and did what they often do when few seem to notice — carry on with the standards of tradition set by ones that came before and never forget those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

VFW  Post 1819 Commander and Purple Heart recipient John Chalker read the poem, "In Flander's Field" by Canadian physician Lt. Col. John McCrae, and recognized service members in attendance from military campaigns dating back to World War II, including U.S. Army veteran and Port Washington resident Ed Balcourt, who rang the tradition bell to commemorate the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in recognizing the end of Word War I.

American Legion Treasurer Larry Tuck gave the Veterans Day speech.

"Taps" was played by Vince Borkowski.

Singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" was John Pickow.

Prayers were given by St. Stephans Church Rev. Stuart Huntley and VFW Chaplain John Fiore.

With the Nov. 5 election now behind them and the votes in, only one elected official made time to make the event Monday.

Not part of the ceremony, Republican North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, who lost to Nassau Leg. Judi Bosworth in the town supervisor race less than a week ago, stood in attendance with a smattering of Port Washington residents who time away from their holiday plans to make it to the park on the breezy November day.

"I think it's very important to recognize all of the sacrifices of our service men and women and their families," said De Giorgio. "The least we could do is come together on Veterans Day and recognize that."

See also: Port Washington Honors Veterans


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