Wreath Ceremony Honors World War II Veterans

The Town of Huntington paid special tribute to World War II veterans at its annual Veterans Day wreath ceremony November 6, 2016 using the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor to recognize those who responded to the call to defend our country in the war that followed that attack.

As part of the ceremony, Supervisor Frank P. Petrone read the names of the 22 World War II veterans, all except one in their 90s, who attended the ceremony and who sat in front of the memorial that carries the names of 6,000 Huntington residents who served in the war.  Supervisor Petrone joined Morris Koffer, a World War II veteran and past commander of the Jewish War Veterans Post 488, in placing a wreath at the memorial.

“We are very, very thrilled that we have so many World War II veterans with us. As we know, each year, it’s less,” Supervisor Petrone said. “But we stand strong with these people who we read today, and we thank you all. We honor you for your service we honor you for being here with us and we honor those great memories.”

“Throughout our history, our nation and our town have been so fortunate and blessed to have wonderful and dedicated veterans who have given so much to so many,” Councilwoman Susan A. Berland said. “They continue to keep us safe; they serve us all here at home and abroad. So it is so important that we recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by all our veterans here in Huntington.”

Councilman Eugene Cook said, “You did a great job, and I am here today to say, simply, thank you and God bless you. This country today is great because of each and every one of you, and each  and every one of our veterans.”

Councilwoman Tracey Edwards pointed to the Long Island Children’s Choir, which performed at the ceremony, and noted its diversity. “That is made possible because of all of the sacrifices of all of the veterans who are here today,” she said. “We would not be a country at all were it not for the sacrifices that the veterans made and continue to make, we need to support and honor our veterans as much as we can.”

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson was unable to attend.

At the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mortimer Roberts, a World War II veteran who is a member of Northport American Legion Post 694. Mggr. Thomas Colgan gave the invocation and benediction.

At the ceremony, Supervisor Petrone also recognized and thanked Teri George, who has sung the national anthem at previous ceremonies and recently was awarded the New York Community Champion Award by People’s United Bank Foundation. As part of the award, she was allowed to choose a charitable organization for a donation by the foundation in her name. She chose the Town of Huntington’s Veterans Advisory Committee.

In the photo: Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and World War II veteran Morris Koffer place a wreath at the Town’s World War II memorial, as sergeant-at-arms Fred Amore, vice chair of the Town’s Veterans Advisory Board, looks on.