Veterans Saluted by Town Wednesday

Town of North Hempstead veterans were honored Wednesday at Clinton G. Martin Park.  

According to the town, more than 200 guests, local leaders and veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and Desert Storm, attended the two-hour gathering sponsored by the town.

Keynote speaker was U.S. Army veteran Joe Sledge, the public affairs officer at Northport V.A. Medical Center. Sledge, an advocate for veterans, is a member of the American Legion.

“Even if you just donate a little bit of time once a month, we all should give a little back to these brave men and women who risked everything to keep us safe,” Sledge said in a press release from the town.

Joe Dell’Aquila, an Army veteran from Garden City Park, said the breakfast not only gave him an opportunity to socialize with fellow veterans but also was a great source of invaluable information.  

“Every year I see a lot of familiar faces and we enjoy coming here," said Dell’Aquila. 

The 3rd annual event was established to show appreciation for the priceless sacrifices veterans make in defending the nation.

Coordinated by the Town’s Department of Community Services, the "Salute to Veterans" was kicked off with a presentation of the colors by a six-man detail from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

A moment of silence was given in memory of all those who have given their lives in defense of our nation, the "Armed Forces Medley," performed by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus, and a retirement of the colors was performed.

“Nothing we do would be an appropriate enough gesture for the tremendous sacrifices you and your families make to defend our country," said Town Supervisor John Riordan. "This gathering does however give us the opportunity to shake your hand, to embrace you, and to tell you face-to-face: thank you.”