Ahead of Monday’s Veterans’ Day holiday, local leaders gathered at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University on Friday, Nov. 8th to thank Veterans for their service.
They were also on hand to thank employees of the home—who care for all residential Veterans—for their service as well.
On the staff, who are all members of the Public Employees Federation, Assemblyman DiStefano said: “We owe a lot to our Veterans. They put everything on the line to protect us and ensure our freedom. Here at Stony Brook, the nation’s Veterans are cared for by a group of dedicated professionals who l am glad to be with today. You are the ones who help pay back the huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who served.”
The keynote speaker of the event was Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. The current U.S. Marine Corps reserve who previously earned a Purple Heart for his tour of duty in Afghanistan also recently ran the 10k leg of the Suffolk County Marathon.
Notably, he did so in 22-pound military vest in honor of the 22 Veterans who commit suicide daily.
“The CDC states that for every completed suicide, there are 25 attempts. So, on top of the 22 Veterans a day that are taking their own life, there are 550 that are attempting it,” Lennon said at the time. “Unless you are in the Veteran or military community, you really have no idea about this number.”
Remarks on the day were also given by Robert Smith, U.S. Navy Veteran and Chairman of the Long Island State Veterans Home Governing body; Peter Igarashi, M.D., Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, who also serves on the Long Island State Veterans Home Governing Body; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Other elected officials such as Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, and the recently re-elected Assemblyman Doug Smith (Holbrook) and Senator Mario Mattera (St. James) fondly recall the event.
“It was my pleasure to start Veterans Day weekend by honoring those who call the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook home,” Mattera told The South Shore Press. “These men and women are the very reason we can enjoy our freedoms and the rights we are afforded as Americans.”
The 2nd District Senator adds, “Visiting these brave individuals—including my Uncle Lou, a former United States Marine who served during the Korean War—is incredibly special and a meaningful opportunity to personally express our gratitude to our Veterans. To all our Veterans: every American owes you a profound and immeasurable debt for your service and sacrifice to our nation and our families.”
The Color Guard consisted of the Vietnam Veterans of America, of Suffolk County Chapter 11, PFC Garfield M. Langhorn (MOH) Chapter. Musician John Ciotta performed multiple times throughout the event, playing the National Anthem, “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”
Multiple local religious leaders also attended to show their support. This included: Fr. Anthony DiLorenzo, a Protestant Chaplain, who led the invocation; Fr. Thomas Tuite, a Catholic Chaplain, who led the Veteran’’s Prayer; and Rabbi Joseph Topek, a Jewish Chaplain, who led the benediction.
Veterans Home Executive Director Fred S. Sganga presented John LaSpina, President of the Maple Family Bowling Centers in Rockville Centre, with the Long Island State Veterans Home Distinguished Award.
“I admire how hard you work. Your profession is not an easy one. Please know that you are appreciated, and, like our Veterans, we owe a debt of gratitude to you as well. On behalf of myself and the residents of the 3rd Assembly District, l want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of our Veterans,” Assemblyman DiStefano added.
“You mean a lot to me, and I’m sure you mean a lot to them. As a long-time member of an employee union myself, I know the strength and effectiveness of the Public Employees Federation. I know you stick together, care for one another, and have each other's backs.”