On their holiday, veterans come together

Walter Dochnall, Jim Nesvill and Vinnie Scelsi joined commander John Mallico for a salute.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2736 met at their statue at Veterans Memorial Park, on Prospect Avenue, on Tuesday to commemorate Veterans Day.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Kenneth Arnold, left, who served in Afghanistan, stopped by the ceremony to thank the veterans.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Bill Schnitzer, a Navy veteran.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Chuck Carlucci and Hon. Terrance Murphy presented the wreath at the county’s Veterans Day ceremony at Eisenhower Park last Sunday.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

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At 11 a.m. on Tuesday, members of the East Meadow Veterans of Foreign War Post 2736 assembled outside Veterans Memorial Park, on Prospect Avenue.

There was no formal ceremony. Instead, the group of about 15 veterans donned their military uniforms, and stood solemnly around a statue dedicated to their post. Several of their family members gathered around, smiling proudly while snapping photographs. Beforehand, the veterans sat in the park office, eating breakfast, and enjoying one another’s company.

For the veterans, the gathering was one of brotherhood, and to embrace the significance of the day, rather than for public attention. The group, which finds fewer opportunities to meet as a whole because of declining membership, wished to unite for a holiday that celebrated their service.

Afterwards, the men and their families were set to eat lunch at Chen’s Buffet, on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, to continue the celebration.

Two days earlier, Nassau County formally honored its servicemen and women with a ceremony in cooperation with the United Veterans Organization, at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park’s Field 6. Dozens of veterans organizations gathered to celebrate.