Sunday, November 15, 2026
The Village of Sea Cliff honored its veterans Wednesday morning with an annual Veterans Day ceremony at Clifton Park, bringing together roughly 13 veterans, village officials and residents to recognize the sacrifices of those who served in the U.S. military.
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with U.S. Army veteran and Sea Cliff resident Scott Whitting leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Jesse Lebus of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church offered a prayer for veterans and their families, while Sea Cliff resident Cathy Virgilio performed “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
“Bless our veterans and their families,” Lebus intoned. “Grant them strength for the road ahead, rest for weary souls, and the gratitude of a village that does not forget.”
Phil Como, a Vietnam War veteran, former village trustee and commander of James F. Brengel American Legion Post 456 in Sea Cliff, led the ceremony. He reflected on the post’s history and the sacrifices of the Brengel family, whose father and son, both named James F. Brengel, died serving in World War I and World War II, respectively.
“This is a truly heartfelt American story,” Como emphasized. “I have felt honor-bound to keep their name alive. That kind of family sacrifice to America is stupendous.”
Como also announced that the post had welcomed five new members, including Andy Roberts, a Gulf War veteran and United States Military Academy graduate who lives on Prospect Avenue.
Roberts addressed the audience, reflecting on his service in Iraq and the emotional challenges he faced after returning home in 2004. He recounted the death of fellow soldier Stephen Eugene Wyatt, who was killed in an attack on Oct. 14, 2003, and the camaraderie he witnessed among American service members who rushed to help their injured comrades.
“I will never forget the camaraderie that I felt that day from people that ran towards the sound of gunfire, that came towards the danger,” Roberts reflected. “In most cases, it wasn’t because they knew us…. They knew Americans were trouble, and they came to help.”
Roberts also thanked the Sea Cliff community for welcoming him and his family. He encouraged Americans to recognize their shared identity despite political disagreements.
“Veterans Day is a celebration,” Roberts said. “It is a day to honor the service of those that were in harm’s way, those that have worn the uniform.”
Mayor Elena Villafane also addressed the gathering, thanking veterans for their service and reflecting on the origins of the holiday, which commemorates the end of fighting in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.
“Generation after generation of young men and women have put their own lives on pause to step up and serve our country to protect what we all hold so dear,” Villafane said. “We gather this day to honor with our actions the services of those that heeded the call to serve our nation in its time of need. It is because of their service that we stand here today.”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer from Lebus and a tribute to Frank J. Lutz, a 101-year-old World War II combat veteran who recently died. Como noted that the American flag outside Lutz’s residence, as well as the one at Clifton Park, had been lowered to half-staff in his honor.
“So, Frank, wherever you are,” Como said, “we remember, buddy.”
— Additional reporting
Julia Capitelli
