American Legion Marks 100 Years With Vets' Day Ceremony: Photos

SOUTHOLD, NY — A crowd turned out under bright blue skies on Veterans Day in Southold Monday to honor the nation's heroes.

Led by Commander Charles Sanders of the American Legion Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803 on Main Road in Southold, the ceremony was marked by gratitude and the fervent wish to instill a sense of patriotism and dedication in the next generation, with a large number of cheering Scouts in attendance.

"It's because of our veterans that we stand here today," Sanders said.

Sanders said we are blessed as a nation that can pray without fear of being attacked or shot. "That's what we're here for, that's what the American Legion is here for," he said. "We also have freedom of government. We just had an election, which was awesome — nobody got killed. Seriously, there are other countries where you just don't have that. We have that blessing in America."

Sanders commended the youth and the NJROTC, as well as Major Bill Grigonis. "On this day, Veterans Day, we are commemorating the service of veterans of all wars. We remember how men and women set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation's cause, defend the freedom of mankind and preserve our precious American heritage. We believe our strength on the battlefield and supply lines, which nourish our Armed Forces, lay in the justice of our cause agains the forces of evil," Sanders said. "We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and our hearts as well as our bodies."

He added: "Just think about going to another country, fighting in a war and not being sure if you are going to come home. How many Americans do that right now?" Less than one percent today serve in the United States military, compared with millions in WWII, he said. "We were really under threat that this country could actually be lost to the Nazis and the Japanese. We are utterly blessed," that veterans served "so that we can be here to enjoy the freedoms we do today...Out of blood and sweat we learned of purpose, sacrifice, tolerance and discipline — these are the solid foundation stones upon which great nations are built," he said.

Second Vice Commander Jose Perez also spoke.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, who was ill, did not attend, but Deputy Supervisor Bill Ruland thanked all in attendance. "Before today is over, please turn and thank a veteran," he said.

Councilwoman Jill Doherty said it was great to see so many young people present. "They need to learn our history and never forget it."

Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said we must never take freedom for granted. He, too, thanked the NJROTC and Major Grigonis. Young people, he said, are the future; he thanked the NJROTC leaders for "raising our children to understand what our freedoms really mean."

Southold Justice Brian Hughes, whose mother and father were both veterans, also said he saw the future in the Scouts and NJROTC present. He spoke of the recent election, and the rule of law, which allows for a "peaceful transition of power — a system set up to protect us by what our veterans have done."

Sanders, an Afghanistan veteran, also discussed the fact that Monday marked the 100th anniversary of the American Legion. After WWI, he said, returning vets had no GI Bill, no veterans' administration, no protections for those who came home injured. Then, he said, the American Legion was founded on four pillars — veterans' affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and child and youth.

Today, he said, "We have a lot of support."