Merricks honor 'the exceptional and the extraordinary'

On Veterans Day, residents thank those who have served

Posted

American Legion Post 1282 held its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park in Merrick to salute those in the community who have answered the call to service.
Auxiliary Unit 1282, Boy Scout Troop 351, residents and local officials joined Post members in front of the memorial on Merrick Avenue Monday morning. Chaplain Jim O’Neill greeted attendants with an invocation, which was followed by a rendition of the National Anthem by Eric John Wieboldt and a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by legionnaire Frank Pedagano.
Post Commander Robert Dishman, Auxiliary President Laura Lahood and Auxiliary Chaplain Betty Tucker addressed the crowd before the Eleventh Hour ritual, in which a bell was rung 11 times. Calhoun High School student Hayden Okonowitz then performed “Taps” on a bugle as attendants stood in a silent salute.

— Alyssa Seidman