by Christopher Boyle
LONG ISLAND, NY – On Sunday, November 11, the American Legion Post 421 of Hicksville held their annual Veterans Day Ceremony, paying respect and honor to the men and women who have secured the freedoms we hold so dearly by serving in our Armed Forces.
The event saw a gathering of veterans both young and old representing all branches of service, as well as community leaders, politicians, and local Boy Scouts who offered their thanks and support to our nation’s heroes on their special day of remembrance.
Among those present at the ceremony was Commander William Walden of Hicksville’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3211, who summed up the meaning of Veterans Day and the intense feelings it brings out of every person who has served their country every year.
“On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives while serving in the military, but on Veterans Day, we gather to recognize and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in uniform,” he said. “It is important that we as a nation, and as individuals, remember the veterans of the past and support those who serve today, for they are our veterans of tomorrow.”
The ceremony was lead by Gregory Faling, Commander of the American Legion Post 421 of Hicksville, who started off by noting the great sacrifices made by our veterans; sacrifices made both while serving and more still once they had arrived back home, with Faling citing the fact that some vets have wrestled with unemployment and homelessness after transitioning back to civilian life.
“There is a huge human and financial cost to war, and all who have served in the military have expressed a willingness to answer the call of duty. You can show your support for these great men and women by hiring a veteran in your workplace. Or donating to a veterans organization,” he said. “It’s smart business to hire a veterans…when these men and women answer the call to serve their nation, it’s America’s business to ensure that their civilian careers do not suffer.”
Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker spoke to the attendees of the great respect and admiration she held for those who have displayed the grit and selflessness needed to put their own personal lives on hold while answering the call to defend their country.
“There are so many veterans here today, and after this ceremony I want to give each and every one of you a great big hug to thank you for all that you’ve done for us,” she said. “Today is a day where we remember all our veterans…all who have served, all who have left their families and gone off to fight to protect our rights and freedoms that we have today.”
The touching ceremony concluded with the placing of a wreath of flowers outdoors in front of the Veterans Memorial Park by the assembled Commanders and Gold Star Parents, and the playing of ‘Taps.’
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