Community Corner
Sayville Honors Local Veterans
Community comes together at Sparrow Park to remember those that have served and are serving the United States.
Community members, veterans and local officials gathered at Sparrow Park on 11/11/11 at 11 a.m. in honor of Veterans Day.
The Sayville Fire Department sounded its siren to commence the ceremony, followed by a moment of silence. Ray Tomich, chaplain of the American Legion Smith-Wever Post 657 in Sayville, began with an opening prayer. “We gather here in this beautiful community of Sayville and remember
our departed veterans whose names are engraved here in Sparrow Park.” Members of the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Gary Vertichio, commander of the American Legion Smith-Wever Post 657, welcomed all the veterans. “Today is a day we honor all servicemen and women,” he said. Mark Gilbert, commander of the VFW Post in Sayville added, “Say thank you to a veteran today – it means more than any
medal.”
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Assemblyman Al Graf, also a Navy veteran, echoed their sentiments. “Today we pay tribute to those who have fallen for our country so that all of us can celebrate our freedom,” he said. “Being a Navy veteran is the proudest accomplishment of my life. Even though it has been more than 31 years since I wore the uniform, there is still that special bond with the people I served with.”
Chris Botkin also addressed the crowd on behalf of Legislator Bill Lindsay. “Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to remember the men and women who served our country,” he said. The local troops ended the ceremony by placing wreaths on the memorials.
