Beloved WWII Veteran To Be Honored With Southampton Street Dedication

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Village is set to honor a beloved veteran who died in 2021 at 100 years old.

According to Southampton Village officials, a street dedication will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Railroad Plaza and North Main Street. The Southampton village board of trustees and Mayor Jesse Warren voted to honorarily rename Railroad Plaza to John I. Holden Plaza.

"We sadly lost John last year at the age of 100," village officials said.

Holden, they added, was a World War II veteran, who volunteered his time to numerous community organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts, and the Southampton Fresh Air Home.

"His love for veterans led him to placing American Flags at the graves of those who served our country every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. John estimated he placed thousands of flags during the many years he carried out this tradition. His incredible life, and his constant service towards others, is an example for us all to follow," officials said.

The Village of Southampton invites all those who wish to honor Holden's service to attend the dedication.

Those who wish to reserve a seat can email mayorsoffice@southamptonvillage.org or call 631-283-0247 ext. 222.