Saluting county vets in Eisenhower Park

Hundreds of people came out to the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park on Aug. 6 for the annual Salute to Veterans ceremony and concert.

“Today we are here to say thank you to our veterans and the recipients of the Distinguished Service to veterans metal,” said Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency. “These five individuals today have answered the call to assist and care for our local veterans.”

Awards were given out to individuals who have dedicated parts of their to helping care for veterans. Nassau County is home to nearly 60,000 veterans, according to Esposito.

“They have shown what it means to be a leader in their community and exhibit a positive impact in the lives of our veterans,” Esposito said.

Before introductions were made and awards given out, the colors were presented by Paul Masi, the sergeant of the guard, followed by an invocation by Reverend Larry Swensen and a POW-MIA prayer offered by John Baptiste Fiore, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Port Washington, chaplain of the U.S. Army. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by American Legion County Commander Joseph Scarola, and the national anthem was sung by County Legislator Laura Schaffer.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced each honoree and presented them with a medal and a citation after he spoke of the good they’ve done. “We know how important they are to the fabric of this county,” Blakeman said.

“In all of our armed services is something that you don’t find in any other nation, anywhere else in the world,” Blakeman continued. “People from all races, religions, and groups serving one common goal to protect America. So tonight, we honor those veterans and we also remember those missing in action and prisoners of war.”