East Rockaway honors heroes on Veterans Day

As the clock struck 11:11 a.m. on a cold November morning last Saturday, veterans, residents and elected officials gathered at the triangle outside of the East Rockaway American Legion Post 958 to honor past and present heroes.

Dominick Palestino, the chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3350, delivered the Benediction, while Post 3350 Commander Steve Owen, Legion Commander John Johnson and East Rockaway Mayor Bruno Romano also addressed those in attendance.

“I would like to thank all of our veterans and armed forces personnel stationed in the U.S. and abroad as we honor them on Veterans Day,” Romano said. “The United States of America has a lot to be thankful for, especially the freedom which we enjoy daily. Our freedom is due to the sacrifices that were made by our veterans, and currently our armed forces protecting this country, and our American flag.”

Trustee Rich Bilello began the ceremony by telling those gathered that the event was dedicated to the veterans of East Rockaway and all over the U.S. Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Deputy Mayor Theresa Gaffney were also in attendance, along with members of the East Rockaway Junior Fire Department. Pat Iuliucci, a veteran and member of American Legion Post 3350, played the Taps.