Honoring Nassau's military heroes

Robert Pachas, a Freeport resident and Korean War veteran, saluted during the singing of the National Anthem.

Susan Grieco/Herald

The Seasoned Steppers performed at the ceremony.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Nicholas Graziano, chairman of the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund, Inc., gave his address

Susan Grieco/Herald

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County leaders, fellow service men and women and hundreds of residents paid tribute to dozens of local military heroes on June 25, as the names of 280 veterans were added to the Walls of Honor in Eisenhower Park.

More than 300 people attended an unveiling ceremony held alongside all of the monuments dedicated to veterans at the East Meadow park. Anyone who has served the United States, in wartime or peacetime, and was honorably discharged may have his or her name added to the Walls of Honor.

“The Walls of Honor were built for residents to commemorate the brave members of the United States armed forces who risked, and many of whom gave, their lives in order to protect our freedoms,” County Executive Ed Mangano explained. “Together, we pay respect to all those who served our nation.”

Nearly 8,500 veterans have been added to the Walls of Honor since a monument committee and the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund — a private organization that collects a $100 donation for each veteran’s name to inscribed on the structure — were established in 1991.

Veterans whose names were etched into the walls and others who wished to show respect for their peers attended the ceremony. Nicholas Graziano, chairman of the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund, Inc., spoke about the significance of the Walls of Honor.

The Seasoned Steppers dance troupe also performed before the unveiling. Finally, Mangano; Joseph Ingino, the president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82; County Legislators Norma Gonsalves, C. William Gaylor and Rose Walker; and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth officially presented the new additions to the crowd.

“It’s an important place to come and remember that freedom is not free,” Mangano said of the monument. “These are the names and faces of the families that made sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States of America each and every day.”

To obtain a Walls of Honor application, call (516) 804-5802. Donations can be mailed to the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund, Inc. at P.O. Box 7911, Hicksville, N.Y. 11802.