East Rockaway recognizes Veterans Day with special ceremony

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Residents, elected officials and servicemen and women gathered at Memorial Park on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to recognize all those past and present who have served their country.

Mayor Bruno Romano addressed the audience, and told the Herald afterward that it was vital to honor veterans.

“We owe our veterans a tremendous amount of gratitude for sacrificing their lives for our freedom,” Romano said. “We should always thank a veteran for his [or her] service to our country. Veterans Day makes me feel extremely proud to be an American.”

Romano said he was “extremely happy” with the turnout, and noted that attendees wore their masks and practiced social distancing. Deputy Mayor Gordon Fox served as the master of ceremonies and East Rockaway American Legion Commander Anthony Donato prepared the event. Other attendees included East Rockaway Fire Chief Ronald Roeill and members of his department, veterans from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and Auxiliary Police Commanding Officer Diane Laukaitus and her unit.

“I pray every day that we always respect and never forget Veterans Day,” Romano said. “This day should be a special day to honor all of our veterans.”

 

Nicole Alcindor contributed to this story.