Manhasset holds Veterans Day service

Bill San Antonio

Just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, as Nassau County Police blocked off a portion of Plandome Road near North Hempstead Town Hall, the sound of bagpipes and marching footsteps filled Manhasset. 

A group of veterans from American Legion Post 304, led by a bagpipe player, made their way to the Gold Star Honor Roll Memorial at the Mary Jane Davies Green to hold the community’s annual Veterans Day observance.

The ceremony began with the raising of the American flag and concluded with legionnaires placing a wreath near the Gold Star Honor Roll Memorial, which lists the names of Manhasset residents in the armed forces who have died in combat.

“Veterans need each other,” said Matthew Falcone, commander of American Legion Post 304, who led the ceremony, “but more importantly, this country needs its veterans.”

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 in recognition of the formal end of World War I, which took place in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

The celebration was initially called Armistace Day, but was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

More than 23 million military veterans currently live in the United States. More than 9 million are over age 65, while about 2 million are under age 35 and nearly 2 million are women.

Five states – California, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York – have more than 1 million veterans.

“Veterans…just want a shot at the American Dream that they fought so hard to defend,” Falcone said.

Manhasset resident Katherine Lau sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 97 and Manhasset High School students played taps during a moment of silence for deceased veterans.

Refreshments were offered following the ceremony at the Manhasset American Legion Post 304 office.

Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 and on Twitter @ Bill_SanAntonio. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.

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