Monument unveiled at Veterans Plaza

On Veterans Day, three days after one of the most divisive presidential elections in the nation’s history, Five Towns residents, elected and appointed officials and other community representatives joined together to celebrate the unveiling of a small monument with an inscription that commemorates the military veterans who served this country.

The monument completed the renovation of a triangular site at the intersection of Broadway and West Broadway in Hewlett known as Veterans Plaza. It was four years in the making, according to Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association President David Friedman, who credited other local organizations such the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club, several businesses and Nassau County for assisting with the project.

It is where the community Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lightings take place, and now is a place of reflection thanks to the work of Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339 and Inwood-based Pfc. John Oliveri Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1582.

“Try to do a good deed in honor of those who are no longer here,” said Syd Mandelbaum, commander of Post 339.