RVC Marks Veteran’s Day with Ceremony

Local community members, officials and veterans congregated on Friday morning at the to honor and commemorate Veteran’s Day.

“Veteran’s Day -- it is a day that we come together as a nation to honor all of those that have put on our nation’s uniform and, by this service, have protected our great nation against the forces of evil and aggression,” said Joe Scarola, Commander of American Legion Post 303, as he led the ceremony.

He explained that Veteran’s Day drew its history from Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I, and how the day is meant to pay tribute to “all of those who have sacrificed so much for our great nation.”

“Many veterans have paid a terrible price in service for our country and we must never take it for granted,” Scarola said.

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray expressed his gratitude to the men and women who have served in the United States military past and present during the ceremony. He said that Veteran’s Day is a chance to “remember their achievements and their dedication.”

“Currently, the contributions of our veterans are vital to maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States,” Murray said. “Let us remember the sacrifices being made this very day by all of those currently on active duty in hostile territory.”

Village Trustee Kevin Glynn, Trustee Edward Oppenheimer, former Mayor Gene Murray and New York State Assemblyman Brian Curran were also on hand to recognize the occasion, as well as representatives from the village police department and the local VFW Post.

In a poignant moment, Scarola rang a bell at exactly 11 a.m. to honor all veterans, which is supposed to traditionally mark the end of the “Great War” – World War I. Guests and onlookers took the time to reflect on the meaning of the day.

“Freedom and liberty do not come cheap,” Scarola said. “We must always remember the sacrifices made by our military veterans and they continue to do that for us today.”

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence to remember all of the veterans who have died for the country, followed by the audience singing “God Bless America” in unison.

“Let us never forget Veteran’s Day," Murray said. "Let us encourage our children, the future of our nation, to commemorate those who have served our country."