VFW hosts Veteran’s Day remembrance service

The East Meadow Veterans of Foreign Wars members congregated with their families at Veterans Memorial Park to recognize Veteran’s Day.

The VFW members, most who are between 80 and 90 years old, served in the Army and Navy branches in World War II and the Korean War and came together to remember their time in the military. As VFW Commander Sal Pellegrino said, “This is not for the dead, it’s for the living and as long as I’m alive, I will fight for our country.”

Legislator Norma Gonsalves was also in attendance to support the veterans and said, “It’s a day to remember those who gave up so much of their lives. They’re still serving today. Just in a different capacity.”

After the service, the veterans enjoyed an afternoon with their wives at Verdi’s of Westbury listening to live music and taking in a good meal. Some veterans also reminisced about their experiences. Gerard Barbosa joined the Navy in 1941 and survived Pearl Harbor. Vincent Scelsi volunteered for the Navy on his 18th birthday and lived through battles in the south pacific. Alfonso Caggiono was drafted in 1943 and fought in Europe in the 36th infantry.

Each veteran has a story to tell. Some of these men were drafted; others volunteered. Some men were married and others were single. They all risked their lives for this country. As Otto Jensen said, “Thank god we got out with our lives.”

Pick up a copy of the East Meadow Herald next week to read more about your local veterans.