American Legion Manhasset Post 304 to be showcased

Janelle Clausen
Anthony W. Buzzitta, flanked by two fellow veterans, holds up his old U.S. Army jacket. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Anthony W. Buzzitta, flanked by two fellow veterans, holds up his old U.S. Army jacket. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

The accomplishments, spirit and experience of Manhasset veterans will be on display at the Manhasset Public Library for the next six months in commemoration of the local American Legion Post’s 90th birthday and the centennial of World War I’s end.

A series a medals, a trophy, photo of an army band and the uniform of a World War II sailor are among the various items on display at the Manhasset Public Library. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
A series a medals, a trophy, photo of an army band and the uniform of a World War II sailor are among the various items on display at the Manhasset Public Library. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

The exhibit traces the history of American Legion Manhasset Post 304, founded by World War I veterans, through a set of uniforms worn by local veterans, an array of patches and medals commemorating their service, and photos of the post’s earlier days.

It also features a display of model soldiers battling the Germans, a document with an American flag and statements in several languages pilots carried in case they were shot down, and various other items.

“It is important because our job as archivists and historians is to actually educate the people,” Antonia Mattheou, the library’s archivist, said as she went through items to put on display on Saturday. “We are hoping that people will know more.”

When asked if there was something in particular she wanted people to know or feel about the exhibit, Mattheou said, “Yes. Respect.”

Martin Neville, a retired lieutenant, loaned a set of miniature soldiers to the library. "I'm told that's been the most interesting exhibit for the little kids that come to the library," he said. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Martin Neville, a retired lieutenant, loaned a set of miniature soldiers to the library. “I’m told that’s been the most interesting exhibit for the little kids that come to the library,” he said. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

Martin Neville, a retired lieutenant who was stationed at Fort Campbell, said the exhibit aims to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918 and the start of the Manhasset American Legion post, one of the first in the United States, about 90 years ago.

It also pays tribute to the “true patriots” who served the country, he said, including many members who saw combat during the Vietnam War.

“They are people who support the country and are true patriots,” Neville said in an interview. “And I think it’s important, since they no longer have a draft, that the youth understand what many Americans had to do.”

Peter Killian, the commander of American Legion Post 304, said the exhibit aims to recognize nearly 100 years of the Legion’s existence, showcase 90 years’ worth of accomplishments by members, and inform the community about who they are and what they have done.

Pietro La Placa and his honorable discharge circa 1919. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)
Pietro La Placa and his honorable discharge circa 1919. (Photo by Janelle Clausen)

“It’s just something that we can show the community to get them more familiar exactly with what we do,” said Killian, who served a year in Vietnam as a sergeant.

“I know there was a lot of emotion in this country during the Vietnam War with the draft and everything, but I can speak for myself and probably everybody in my Legion [post] that that was not a concern for us,” Killian said. “We were willing and able to serve our country when called upon.”

Maggie Gough, the director of the Manhasset Public Library, said members of the American Legion Post 304 came to the library about putting up a display. That display, in turn, has become a “teaching moment” and a way to memorialize what soldiers gave to ensure “the benefits of liberty.”

“It really allows people to contribute and it also gives a legacy to all the young people and everyone who can see this,” Gough, whose father and uncles served in World War II, said in an interview. “It really is, and truly is, touching history.”

And for Dominic Grattagliano, a library staff member who helped set up the display, that history matters.

“It’s important people don’t forget about history, especially with this exhibit,” Grattagliano said. “My father was in World War II, and that was the greatest generation.”

There will be an opening reception for the exhibit at the Manhasset Public Library on Saturday at 1 p.m. where officials will present post members citations.

Additionally, American Legion Post 304 will host an open house and barbecue to commemorate its 90th anniversary on Sunday at 27 Bayview Ave., where veterans and their families can learn more about the organization, the work it does in the community and the services it offers veterans.

For more information on that event, call 516-627-0501.

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