Local veterans groups and residents gathered at Hicksville Middle School Veterans Memorial Park recently to honor brave servicemen and woman, past and present. William M. Gouse Jr. Post 3211 hosted Hicksville’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.
The ceremonies began with the pledge and national anthem sung by Hicksville High School student Cassie Pursoo, accompanied by trumpeter Conner Hoelzer. Monsignor Thomas Costa from Our Lady of Church in Hicksville gave the invocation.
Commander William Walden, from the William M. Gouse Jr. Post, emceed the event and commanders from several local posts spoke on the importance of the day.
“Without our veterans, America would not be America. Those who defend us must be supported. We need to serve veterans as well as they have served us,” said Commander Gregory Faling from the American Legion, Charles Wagner Post 421. He encouraged the audience to support veterans by visiting VA hospitals, donating to veteran’s programs and hiring veterans.
Nassau County legislators Laura Schaefer and Rose Walker and Oyster Bay Town Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone also attended the event.
“They’ve made sacrifices many of us may never know or experience. Those sacrifices allow us choices. It’s important to be mindful, and say thank you,” said Schaefer.
“We owe it to each of you to live how we live today. Our veterans, those who are here today and who have sacrificed, are the reason we can celebrate this wonderful day,” said Walker.
Hicksville interim superintendent of schools Dr. Carl Bonuso, a retired army veteran, spoke to the audience about the sacrifices servicemen and women have made.
“Every day is Veterans Day because every day has been given to us through the sacrifice of these veterans,” said Bonuso.
Walden noted that there were plans underway to add a Vietnam Era memorial to the middle school’s memorial garden. To qualify for inclusion in the memorial, a Hicksville man or woman must have been on active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam era; it’s not necessary that they served in Vietnam. Walden noted that atleast 1,900 names are expected to be on the plaque and it is expected to be completed in 2015. Those interested in more information on the project can email Walden at waldenusmc@aol.com.
A wreath was placed at the Memorial Park monument, followed by the firing detail by the American Legion. Hicksville High School students Jeremy Lopez and Scott Quinn played “Taps” and the ceremony concluded with the dismissing of the colors.
