On Veterans Day, appreciating those who served

The words pride, democracy and sacrifice were used by more than speaker at the Veterans Day ceremony held in Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park and hosted by Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339 on Nov. 11.

Veterans Day is a public holiday that is dedicated to honoring those who have served in the United States military. The holiday began as a day to mark the end of World War I and was declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Originally known as Armistice Day, it became Veterans Day in 1954.

History took a front seat as not only were servicemen and women honored, but Post 339 Commander Syd Mandelbaum, a Cedarhurst resident, recounted a story about how members of the recently established post tussled with Klu Klux Klan supporters over a memorial wreath in November of 1923 at the very spot where Wednesday’s ceremony took place,

“We have pride in the people who gave up their lives and left their homes to protect our freedoms,” Mandelbaum said “Democracy is not just a word, it has to be spread. I am evangelical about democracy.”

Mandelbaum made a point of remembering Andrew Parise, the longtime Cedarhurst mayor, who died earlier this year and was a World War II veteran. “As the son of Holocaust survivors, I remember him as a concentration camp liberator.”

In the park’s memorial plaza is a brick walkway and the names of veterans are etched into the bricks. Prior to the outdoor ceremony there was a dedication of those bricks that will soon be installed with the names of 18 servicemen, including Parise.

“I am very proud to be standing here on Veterans Day,” said Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock. He pointed to what became the World War I monument. “They wrote ‘The Great World War’ because nobody thought there would be a World War II.”

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said that everyone should remember what this day is all about and say thank you to a veteran. “Freedom is not free,” he said. “History has shown us that and current events has shown us that. Remember to pause to thank a veteran.”

Veterans inscribed in brick

Dominick Bertucci — Army

“Duke” Bertucci — Marines

Joseph Bertucci — Navy

Peter Bertucci — Army

Vito Bertucci — Army

Herbert Bodek — Army

Amerigo Cafass Jr. — Army

Giacomo “Tony” Campanile — Army

Antonio Capone — Army

Louis J. Cohen — Army

Dennis DeMichael — Army

Peter Domanico — Army

Joseph Lanzilotta — Navy

Luke Magliaro Sr. — Navy

Robert Murray — Army

Ed Oliveri Sr. — Army

Andrew J. Parise — Army

Joseph Sirianni Jr. — Army