Veterans in Port Washington commemorated Veterans Day last week with a breakfast at the Henderson-Marino Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) Post 1819 and a ceremony at the Sousa Band Shell.
Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio attended the breakfast and met veterans including VFW Post 1819 Chaplain John Fiore and Post 1819 Commander John Chalker.
“It was an honor to recognize those men and women that served our country and to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Councilwoman De Giorgio.
Many of the veterans proudly wore their uniforms to the breakfast and ceremony. The ceremony at the Sousa Band Shell honored those Port Washington residents who served in the military and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The master of ceremonies of the event was Ray Slavinsky, vice commander of American Legion Post 509. Commander John Chalker gave the introduction.
Traditionally on Veterans Day there is a moment of silence and prayer at the 11th month, 11th day and 11th hour (Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.). This date is the anniversary of the signing of the ceasefire that ended World War I in 1918 and commemorates the truce between the Allied nations and Germany. The chimes for the 11th hour were sounded by Larry Tuck, treasurer of VFW Post 509.
This is a special year for veterans. They commemorate the following events: 100 years since the beginning of World War I, 50 years since American involvement in Vietnam and 85 years since the founding of Port Washington VFW Post 1819.
For more information about Port Washington’s Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819 go to www.portwashingtonvfw.com. The post is located at 29 Mohegan Ave.
