VETERANS DAY

ON THE ELEVENTH HOUR OF THE ELEVENTH DAY OF THE ELEVENTH MONTH, SEA CLIFF HONORS VETERANS AT CLIFTON PARK CEREMONY

Picture



First Row: Scott Whitting, Jack Guy, Karl Hanson, Jon Giordano, Butch Grella, George Christman, Phil Como, NinoLuciano, Bernard McGrath. In the second row[standing] are: Dave Rice, Jim Kaelin, Brian Anthony, Larry Benedetti, Charles Davies, Dave Craft, Ted Kopczynski, Rich Collins, Rich Barrett, Reverend Kurtland Watkins, John Reali, Harry Augustine, Bob Moseley,Jack Guy, Carl Romatowski, George Bevad, Gil McGill, John Nagy. Jim Foote and John Napoli were in attendance but missed the picture.

November 12, 2015 --On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 97 years to the minute after the armistice ending "the war to end war" was signed, Sea Cliff residents turned out at Clifton Park this past Wednesday morning to observe Veterans Day, paying tribute to those who have served this Country in the armed forces.  Standing before more than two dozen veterans assembled next to the Clifton Park "Rock" that honors those Sea Cliff residents who fought in the First World War, Sea Cliff resident and Commander of James F. Brengel American Legion Post #456 Phil Como presided over the ceremony.  

Following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scott Whitting, Marine veteran Reverend Kirtland Watkins of the Sea Cliff Methodist Church, delivered the invocation in which he drew connections between our two official November days of gratitude - Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

Sea Cliff Resident Catherine Virgilio, facing the veterans then offered a powerful rendition of America The Beautiful, after which Mr. Como paid tribute to Sea Cliff veterans who passed away this past year - George Becker, Charles Bell, John Kle, Charles Hassel, and Harry "Hap" Ajamian.  

Mayor Bruce Kennedy then spoke and called on those assembled to recognize not only the sacrifices of those who have served but their families as well.  He continued that veterans "deserve more than our admiration," asserting that as a society we have an obligation to ensure that those who return home from serving their country have access to good jobs, quality housing, healthcare, and support services.
​
The Ceremony soon thereafter concluded with Mr. Como inviting the veterans to the Sea Cliff Firehouse where they enjoyed a fine lunch provided by the James Brengel American Legion Post #456 and prepared by B. Brown's on Roslyn Avenue.

BACK TO WEEKLY