Nassau County Legion honors veterans at ball

Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” was blasting from speakers in the ballroom of Leonard’s La Dolce Vita as veterans from across Nassau County gathered for Nassau County American Legion’s annual Military Ball and Post Commanders Night on Feb. 20.

Veterans donned black bow ties, suits decorated with prestigious medals and caps with pins of honor. Frank Colón Jr., PCC chairman, began the ceremony by first thanking all veterans for their service and attendance. A designated table was set up near the podium at the front of the ballroom to commemorate victims labeled prisoner of war and missing in action.

“We call our attention to this small table which occupies a place of dignity and honor,” Colón said. “The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone, against his or her suppressors. The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of intentions to respond to their country’s call for arms. The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America.”

Colón and his veteran comrades grew emotional at recognizing their missing soldiers. “The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time,” he said. His words lingered after a long pause, until he finally said, “The chair is empty, they are not here.”

Nassau County Cmdr. Steve McManus, Department Vice Cmdr. Vincent Calimano, Department Judge Advocate Charles Mills, Queens County Cmdr. Paul Schottenhamel, 10th District Commander Keneth Cadieux and Suffolk County Cmdr. William Farley joined to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Over 20 American Legion posts from all over Nassau County attended the event.

“This event is just tremendous,” Baldwin Post 246 Acting Post Cmdr. Carmen Martono said. “Everyone gets together here to support each other. If it weren’t for our veterans, our nation wouldn’t be free. To all veterans out there, never forget who you are and where you came from.”

The ball included a pageant, where each American Legion post showed off its post colors and carried the American flag to symbolize unity. All members held hands and sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.”