Museum of American Armor Observes Purple Heart Day

Joan Cohen of Hope’s Land of Candy will welcome armor from the Museum of American Armor once again this year to honor those American GI’s wounded in combat.

On Sunday August 4th as the nation observes Purple Heart Day, the Museum of American Armor, Hope's Land of Candy and neighboring retailers will join forces to honor those who received the legendary military award, with a presentation of armor at 3951 Long Beach Road, Island Park (the Outback Shopping Center) between 12 Noon and 3:00 p.m., and free refreshments to medal recipients, along with live music and family entertainment.

Joan Cohen, founder of Hope's Land of Candy, explained, "Outside of military families, few truly understand or appreciate the Purple Heart medal which is presented to those wounded or killed while serving to defend our freedoms. We wanted to find a way for families to honor their loved ones by offering something to medal recipients that always brings a smile to the faces of our customers: ice cream."

Others contributing to the tribute include Outback Steakhouse, Non Stop Towing in Freeport NY, and Bagels By Bell in Oceanside NY.

Mark Renton, Director of the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, stated, "Our extensive armor collection is meant to tell a story of American courage and valor. Teaming up with Joan and providing one of our vehicles as a center point for this observance goes to the heart of our mission."

Public officials join in the tribute

Expected to be on display is an M8 Greyhound armored car, similar to those that knocked down the gates to the Nazi concentration camp Mauthausen in 1945. "When we dedicated the M8 several years ago we were fortunate enough to have liberators and those they liberated in the attendance. Today that vehicle continues to tell an important story and we look forward to greeting people from Long Beach, Island Park and Oceanside," stated Renton.

Among those participating in the tribute service are , , Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty and a representative from Congresswomen Kathleen Rice's office . These public servants have been active in honoring our community's veterans and their participation underscores their commitment to this issue. Rabbi Paul Hoffman of the Island Park Jewish Center will be offering the invocation.

The Museum of American Armor is located inside Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Donations are requested. It also offers an armor experience program which can be found on their web site, www.museumofamericanarmor.org

Hope's Land of Candy at 3951 Long Beach Road, Island Park, has become a landmark for families seeking to return to the days of the good old fashion "sweet shoppe" where handmade ice cream is on the menu and the calories are left out at the curb.

"We have a large and vibrant veterans community. We wantedto find the means of saying thank you to them and every military family. This is a small token of our respect and a way of saluting them for their services," concluded Ms. Cohen.

For additional information call 516 544-2244 or visit www.Hopeslandofcandy.com