War memorial ceremony
On Wednesday, Aug. 2 dozens of Vietnam War veterans and local officials gathered at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow during the construction of the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall to honor Purple Heart veterans.
The Purple Heart medal is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917. The Purple Heart is the oldest award still actively being given to military members. Since World War I, and through the Iraq War, nearly two million Purple Heart decorations have been awarded.
Legislator Joseph Belesi, who is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, was in attendance. He served in the war as an infantryman, and was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his service. Legislator David Denenberg and Assemblyman Ed Ra were also in attendance to honor the veterans, past and present.
