Letters to the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Editor (Nov. 7-13)

Posted

How veterans helped honor my father
To the Editor:
As Veterans Day is almost upon us, I wanted to share a story of giving and helpfulness.  
My dad died in August at the ripe old age of 92. As a World War II veteran, he was entitled to, and received, a burial with honors. I thought there was no better way to commemorate my dad than to proudly display the flag used in the ceremony in an engraved case.
Much to my chagrin, the flag — a standard burial flag — didn’t fit in the case, because the honor guard didn’t fold it tightly enough.

One day while running errands, I drove past the Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 on East Rockaway Road in East Rockaway, and I contacted its members to see if they could refold the flag so that it would fit in the case. Not only were they happy to do so, but they were happy to do it quickly and to properly seat the flag in the case.
When I asked about a donation, they simply told me to “pray for all the veterans and serving military.”
I know it isn’t a big deal to some, but these guys gave me a way to honor my father’s memory, and in doing so, they honored themselves. There were no politics. There was no discussion of the issues of the day. This was former members of the military honoring one of their own.
Hats off to the veterans at the Garrison post, and thanks to all veterans — and current serving members — for their military service to this great nation.
You will all be remembered on this and every Veterans Day.
Mike Fried, Cedarhurst


Come out and vote on the bond
To the Editor:
The East Rockaway School District Board of Education wants to remind community members about the bond vote on Nov. 14 and its impact not only on our students, but also on taxpayers. We pride ourselves on being fiscally responsible to our residents, while maintaining the best possible programs in a safe environment for our students. We believe strongly that this bond proposes all of those things.
With the pressing issue of water encroachment on the high school field, the cost of construction and supplies expected to increase, a sizable return on our money in the form of state building aid and our old bond debt about to expire, we believe that now is the right time to ask our community to consider a new bond. We are also committed to utilizing $6.1 million from reserves for this bond, leaving the cost for the average taxpayer at $41 per year. And, should Living with the Bay funds come through, that would further offset the costs of these projects, for a net impact that could be at or close to $0.
We hope you’ll agree that this is a responsibly sized bond that meets our district’s most immediate needs while placing us in an excellent position for years to come. Please join us in voting on Nov. 14, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., in the small gymnasium at the high school.
Because they’re our kids, it’s your choice, and it’s their future.
The East Rockaway Board of Education