Sunday, November 15, 2026
Veterans, families, local officials and Boy Scouts packed the room at Baldwin American Legion Post 246 on Nov. 11, for its annual Veterans Day ceremony, bringing roughly 80 residents across multiple generations together to honor those who served.
George Hay, a 99-year-old World War II Navy veteran who served in the Pacific Theater, was this year’s guest of honor.
The observance opened with the posting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem, sung by Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé. Mulé thanked the veterans in attendance and paid tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
“It’s incredibly important for us, as United States citizens, to commemorate and honor our veterans, all veterans, because without them, we wouldn’t have a country,” Mulé said.
Chaplain John Meyer followed with the invocation, offering prayers for veterans still living with the effects of war.
Post Commander John Rohe welcomed attendees, tracing the American Legion’s history to its founding in 1919, shortly after World War I. He outlined the organization’s four pillars of service: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, promoting Americanism, and children and youth programs.
Rohe, who became post commander on Oct. 7, served active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1988-1992. He was also a battalion surgeon with the 6th Marines during Operation Desert Storm.
“I think I can speak for all veterans when I say Veterans Day has a special place in my heart,” Rohe said. “Unlike Memorial Day, when we remember the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, today we honor all veterans, whether they served in a time of war or peace.”
Rohe also recognized Legion officers, past commanders, elected officials and members of the 11th New York Regiment United States Volunteers, who participated in the ceremony.
Drawing from remarks prepared by the National American Legion, Rohe highlighted three veterans whose service exemplified courage and sacrifice: Navy Capt. Royce Williams, World War II solider Audie Murphy and Army nurse Diane Carlson Evans.
Williams was recognized for a 1952 ariel battle near North Korea, where he encountered seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets and shot down four. The encounter remained classified for decades because of Soviet involvement in the Korean War. Williams received the Medal of Honor on Feb. 24, 2026.
Murphy, among the most decorated American soldiers of World War II, was cited for his battlefield heroism and later advocacy for veterans struggling with the psychological effects of combat.
Evans, who cared for wounded soldiers during the Vietnam War, founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project, helping establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor women who served in Vietnam. It was dedicated onVeterans Day in 1993.
Attendees then observed the American Legion’s traditional eleventh-hour ritual, commemorating the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. The ritual was led by Adjutant John Atkin, assisted by past commander Bob Hare.
“It was on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour that the guns ceased firing and silence encompassed the earth,” Atkin said. “It was at 11 that the last man died in battle. It was at 11 that a delirium of joy swept over humanity. It was then the soul of the American Legion was born.”
Following the ritual, the ceremony honored Hay, a longtime member of Baldwin American Legion Post 246. He served in the U.S. Navy as a member of the Seabees, participating in combat operations in the Pacific Theater. His service earned him 10 medals, including a Navy Unit Commendation and a World War II Honorable Service Pin.
During last week's ceremonies, Hay received two special citations honoring his military service and contributions to the nation. The first, issued by Mulé, recognized his work with the Seabees in the Pacific. A second proclamation from State Sen. Siela Bynoe commended his decorated service and role in protecting the nation’s freedoms.
“Thank you, George, for your service,” Rohe said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Attendees gathered around Hay to shake his hand and offer their gratitude. Ama Karikari, a local mother in Boy Scout Troop 824, said she appreciated the opportunity to meet a World War II veteran.
“I think it’s important, because this is civic education for them,” Karikari said of the Scouts. “I think it was especially powerful for them to see the older veteran who was being honored, an elder in our community, and for them to meet him, shake his hand, and thank him.”
Following the indoor ceremony, attendees gathered on the post’s front lawn for military honors recognizing veterans who have died. The 11th New York Regiment, which provides military funeral honors throughout Long Island and the New York metropolitan area, fired ceremonial rifle volleys as bugler Alfred Ficalora sounded taps.
Dani Maureau, secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, also addressed veterans, families and friends, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
“On this Veterans Day, we simply pause to say the words that matter most: thank you,” Maureau said. “Thank you for the long deployments and the missed birthdays. Thank you for the quiet courage that never sought the spotlight. Thank you for the families who served alongside you, carrying the weight at home so you can carry it abroad. To every veteran in this room and every veteran listening, your service is remembered.”
Meyer concluded the ceremony with a benediction honoring veterans and those still serving.
“May God continue to watch over our veterans, comfort the families of the fallen, and inspire us all to live worthy of the freedom, humanities and service,” Meyer said. “May the blessing of almighty God rest upon you and upon this great republic, now and forever. Amen.”
