Rockville Centre gathers to honor veterans

With flags waving and a large crowd gathered in tribute, Rockville Centre honored its veterans Wednesday outside the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, recognizing the sacrifices of those who served and the freedoms they helped preserve.

Residents, veterans, community leaders, members of the Rockville Centre police and fire departments, and members of Troop 214 and Troop 40 attended the annual ceremony, organized by American Legion Post No. 303.

The observance featured prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of veterans in attendance and a tribute to American service members who remain missing or were taken prisoner during wartime. The ceremony also included the ringing of a bell marking the 11th hour, followed by the playing of “Taps.”

Post Commander Joe Scarola expressed appreciation for the strong community turnout, saying the presence of so many residents demonstrated their support for veterans.

“The turnout we have is what's important,” Scarola said following the ceremony. “People were standing room only, so that shows they care about the veterans.”

Scarola, who said he returned from military service without physical or lasting injuries, emphasized the importance of remembering those whose experiences were different.

“I came back fine, but there are veterans who didn't come back fine,” he said. “So, when they see that, they say people do care for what we did.”

He added that Veterans Day and Memorial Day both hold special meaning because those who served understand the sacrifices made by their fellow service members.

“We all raised our hand,” Scarola said. “So we're all glad that we came home. But we want to honor the sacrifice of those who did put in those years.”

Post Vice Commander Paul Casazza described Veterans Day as an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifices of those who wore the nation's uniform.

“There's three different days in the year, right?” he asked. “Memorial Day, where we honor the fallen, Armed Forces Day, where we honor those that are currently serving, and Veterans Day is to honor those that have served."

Casazza said military service reinforces an appreciation for the freedoms Americans enjoy and the responsibility to protect them.

“Freedom is not free,” he said. “In order to keep our freedoms and our heritage and our way of life, you need to protect it.”

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray also addressed the crowd, thanking veterans, their families and those who attended the ceremony. He said the day was about recognizing the sacrifices made by generations of Americans and ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten.

“Today is about saying two very important words ... thank you,” he said.

Murray reflected on the history of Veterans Day, which originated as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. He said the significance of the observance extends beyond its historical roots, emphasizing the people and families behind military service.

“Behind every uniform is a person, a family, and a story,” Murray said.

He also recognized the sacrifices made by military families, who endure the uncertainty of having loved ones stationed far from home, sometimes missing holidays and important milestones.

Murray said Rockville Centre takes pride in its community spirit and its responsibility to support veterans, whether they served decades ago or recently returned home.

“To the veterans standing here with us today, I hope you know how much you are appreciated,” Murray said. “Your commitment means something to every one of us.”

During the ceremony, Scarola explained the significance of an empty chair with a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag designated for prisoners of war and those missing in action. The chair serves as a reminder of American service members who remain unaccounted for and the continued effort to secure the release of prisoners, recover the remains of those who died and establish the whereabouts of the missing.

Rabbi Capt. Mark H. Getman offered prayers during the ceremony and urged those gathered to honor veterans through their actions as well as their words. He reminded attendees that freedom remains a responsibility carried forward by generations of Americans.

Getman also recounted a recent recognition at Fort Hamilton in which a World War I soldier was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions in France, where he was killed in action four months before the war ended.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, a salute and expressions of gratitude for veterans, their families and those currently serving in the armed forces.

For Scarola, one of the most meaningful acknowledgments veterans receive comes not from a ceremony, but from everyday interactions with members of the community.

“It means a lot when people, strangers, come up to me and say, ‘thank you for your service,’” he said. “That reward is enough. Just to tell me that it was worth it.”

Casazza said he hoped those who attended would leave with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices that make their everyday freedoms possible.

“I hope they reflect on the service and sacrifice of those that make their life the way it is, free,” he said. “We serve for others.”