Vets celebrated at Legion barbecue

On Aug. 19, Merrick American Legion Post 1282 hosted a barbecue, as they do each year, to honor local veterans.

According to event chairman Frank Pedagno, the event exceeded the organization’s hopes, with a “full house.” Ten veterans, in wheelchairs, from the Long Island Nursing Home were able to attend, as well as 15 veterans from the Veteran’s Medical Center in Northport, according to Pedagno.

Post members cooked up a barbecue lunch including hot dogs, hamburgers, rotisserie chicken, salads, watermelon and cookies, and continuous live entertainment was provided. All veterans were also given gift bags to take home.

The event was supported by Trader Joe’s, Zorn’s Chicken, Outback Steakhouse, Pat’s Farms, J & D Invitations, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Investors Bank, Capital One, Dime and Roslyn banks, as well as Zwanger Pesiri Radiology, Pedagno said.

“We were also honored that state Senator John Brooks and Legislator Steve Rhodes took time from their busy schedules to attend and address the group,” Pedagno added.