Honoring veterans in Baldwin amid different circumstances

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A group of people gathered in the Baldwin American Legion Post 246 on Nov. 11 to pay tribute to the men and women who have served the country.

“We pause to remember, this Veterans Day, the men and women of the armed forces who have served the country at home and abroad during these . . . years of our national independence,” said Nassau County American Legion Commander Al Ficalora, of Baldwin. The remembrance is set as “a day of tribute to those who have lost their lives in defense of all that America stands for.”

Additionally, a brief ceremony was held during the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce meeting that night, where elected officials honored veterans and issued citations to those in attendance.

State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin presented veterans, including Robert Hare, commander of the Baldwin American Legion Post 246, Joseph Eberhart and Thomas Fitzpatrick with proclamations on behalf of herself and State Sen. Todd Kaminsky.

Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini presented the veterans with certificates, as well.

“Today we honor our brave men and women who served in the U.S. military,” Carini said at the chamber meeting. “The freedom that we all enjoy here, today, is not free. It’s paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of those who served . . . Whether it’s the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, Korea, or the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, you’ve always answered the call. Our country is forever in your debt.”