VETERANS DAY
SEA CLIFF HONORS VETERANS AT CLIFTON PARK CEREMONYNovember 13, 2014 -- In front of the Clifton Park memorial to Sea Cliff residents who served in World War I, a conflict ended by an armistice signed on November 11, 1918, community members gathered precisely 96 years later to honor those who have put their lives on the line in service to our country in the armed forces. Sea Cliff resident and Commander of James F. Brengel American Legion Post #456, Phil Como presided over the ceremony.
Following an invocation by Reverend Kirtland Watkins of the Sea Cliff Methodist Church, Mr. Como paid tribute to two Sea Cliff veterans who passed away this past year - Andy Martone, a veteran of the Korean Conflict; and Vito Capuco, who served in the European Theater during World War II. Additionally, he recognized those residents in attendance who served during the Second World War - John Kle, George Christman, Charles Bell, Ray Pierce, and Nino Luciano. "These are part of the generation that saved our way of life," he said. "We single them out because they deserve to be." Then referring to the three dozen veterans assembled there, Mr. Como said that they "have one thing in common, they all said the same thing when their time came - I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. And that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me according to regulations and the uniform code of military justice, so help me God." Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy then spoke, "There's no mystery behind the endurance of the success of American Liberty," he said. "It is because every generation from the Revolutionary War to this very day, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the armed forces of the United States." Mr. Kennedy thanked both veterans and current services members, as well as their families, for their sacrifices. "The men and women of the armed services are America's heroes, on this and every Veterans Day we pause to salute their service, their sacrifice and their courage," he said. "On behalf of all Sea Cliff residents I extend my sincerest thanks to all veterans, their families and the service members currently deployed. Their selfless service has earned our deepest gratitude." Just before the ceremony concluded with veteran Scott Whitting leading a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the assemblage singing God Bless America, vocalist Cathy Virgilio offered a musical tribute to veterans with a moving rendition of America the Beautiful, emphasizing the lines referring to those who have served - "O beautiful for heroes proved, In liberating strife," she sang, "Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life!" In addition to Mr. Como,Reverend Watkins, and Mr. Whitting, veterans in attendance at Tuesday's ceremony included: John Kle,George Christman,Charles Bell,Ray Pierce,and Nino Luciano, Butch Grella,Jack Guy, John, Dave Craft,Karl Hansen, Rich Barrett, Dave Whitting, Joe Krupinski,Buddy Griffin, Matt Greif,Ted Kopcznski,Harry Ajamian, Charlie Davies,Reverend David MacDonald,John Nagy,Art Hubbs, Brian Anthony,James Foote,John Napoli, Jim Kaelin,John Reali,Carl Romatowski, Dave Rice,Rich Collins, Harry Augustine, John Arnholt, Dave Whitting, Gil Mcgill, and Don Adams. BACK TO HOME PAGE BACK TO WEEKLY |
BOY SCOUTS PAY TRIBUTE TO VETS AT GLENWOOD AMERICAN LEGIONCub Scout Pack 278 and Boy Scout Troop 43 honored veterans this past Tuesday, with a formal flag ceremony, at the Glenwood American Legion Hall on Glen Head Road. After the ceremony the scouts headed inside the hall, where veterans spoke about their service and the meaning of Veterans Day.
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