Valiant veterans honored in Lynbrook, East Rockaway ceremonies

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On the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, veterans, residents and elected officials gathered in Lynbrook and East Rockaway on Sunday to commemorate Veterans Day.

As the clock struck 11:11:11, each village began its ceremonies honoring past and present veterans and all those who served their country.

In Lynbrook, dozens of people gathered at the Doughboy Monument in Saperstein Plaza, where wreaths were readied by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2307 Commander Patrick Nealon and member Felix Prevete.

The days’ events included the reading of “In Flanders Fields” by Henry Speicher, the commander of American Legion Post 335, a moment of silence for fallen veterans, comments from Mayor Alan Beach, a wreath-laying ceremony and a gun salute by a fire detail comprised of U.S. Marine Corps veterans. Legislator William Gaylor, a U.S. Army veteran and Lynbrook resident, was also in attendance.

In East Rockaway, veterans, residents, members of the East Rockaway Fire Department, Mayor Bruno Romano, Deputy Mayor Theresa Gaffney and members of the board of trustees were among the notable guests for a ceremony at Memorial Park.

"I thank all of our Veterans whom have protected our freedom," Romano said. "A special thank you to all of our military personnel stationed around the world protecting us. Always respect our American flag, the symbol of our freedom."

District 1 Commander Patrick Luliucci, of Farmington, played the trumpet before a moment of silence was conducted to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The service ended with a furling of the flags in memory of those who could not attend the service because of death and illness.