Lindenhurst Memorial Library Honors Local Veterans

The recently held a special ceremony to honor the sacrifices vets made for their country, as well as those who've particpated in the LML's historical podcast record of local veterans' experiences.

In fact, special awards were presented by LML Board of Trustees President Robert Becker; LML Director Peter Ward; and New York State Assemblyman and Lindenhurst native to veterans who contributed their stories and information from World War II to the Iraq War for the Veterans Historical Project.

During the course of the past several years, almost 30 veterans have been interviewed at the LML to record real-life stories and experiences for the .

President Becker described the project as: "A humble effort to honor those men and women who dedicated their lives to their country. The goal was to ensure that generations to come will have access to this information about who served and sacrificed."

These records have been installed into the LML circulation and could be accessed here on the LML website.

"Most people today have come to think of Veterans Day as a day to be off from work and take advantage of the sales given at stores. [However], Veterans Day is a special day of memorial, where we remember those who've died for their country and allow us to have the freedoms we have today," said Assemblyman Sweeney.

"I have asked myself, 'Why is this country so great?' Then I had the pleasure of meeting these wonderful veterans who answered my question," added LML Director Ward. "It's very important for us to remember what they've done for us, and to keep the USA as the greatest country on the face of the earth."

The honorees for the salute were:

• Judge Arthur Cromartie (WWII)
• Vito Cudia (United States Air Force, peacetime)
• William G. Nagle 
• Father Anthony M. Trapani (Operation Desert Storm/Iraqi Freedom)
• Annabelle Weiss (WWII)

Lindenhurst Memorial Library accepted the awards for Cudia, Nagle and Weiss on their behalf as they couldn't attend the ceremony.

A number of other veterans who contributed to the project attended, as well, including WWII veteran Edwin M. Lobl. Drafted at the age of 18, Lobl served in the Pacific and was wounded in the Philippines.

"I was in the hospital for a year, and went home after that. Uncle Sam has taken good care of myself and my family," Lobl said.

Now in his mid-80s Lobl was joined by his family to honor the many veterans who look back on their experiences, which will be preserved as vital historical data.

In addition to the ceremony, the Veterans concluded on . This was the library's eighth food drive, where they collected 11 boxes of food for the Veterans Food Pantry in Yaphank.

Though the drive has officially ended, the library is accepting donations through the end of today; the library is open until 9 p.m., according to LML officials.