Huntington – Huntington Town
officials were joined by Federal, State and County officials, the Veterans
Advisory Board, veterans groups and residents for the Town’s annual Veterans Day
Ceremony on Sunday, November 10, the 244th birthday of the United
States Marine Corps, on Veterans Plaza at Huntington Town Hall to honor
veterans of the Town of Huntington and across our Nation.
A Color Guard formed by local
veterans groups presented the colors and raised the American Flag. The
Huntington Men’s Chorus performed patriotic music throughout the program,
opening with the National Anthem and closing with God Bless America. An
Invocation was delivered by Rabbi Yaakov Saacks of The Chair Center of Dix
Hills. Veterans Advisory Board Chairman acknowledged the 244th birthday of the
United States Marine Corps and recognized members of the Veterans Advisory
Board.
Councilman Edmund J.M. Smyth, a U.S.
Marine Corps veteran, offered an introduction of local veterans from each
branch of the military before acknowledging elected officials, including
Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, Receiver of Taxes Jillian
Guthman, and Superintendent of Highways Kevin S. Orelli and Deputy Supervisor and
Town Attorney Nicholas Ciappetta on behalf of Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci from
the Town, Congressman Tom Suozzi, State Senator Jim Gaughran, Assemblyman Steve
Stern, Legislators Dr. William Spencer, Susan A. Berland and Tom Donnelly, and
Deputy County Executive Jon Kaiman on behalf of County Executive Steve Bellone.
A rifle salute and the playing of
Taps accompanied the presentation of a wreath at the Veterans Plaza flag pole.
A Benediction was delivered by Chaplain Edward Billia, Deacon of the Huntington
Manor Fire Department, followed by a bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace.
The Halesite Fire Department and the
Huntington Manor Fire Department and volunteer firefighters displayed the
American Flag throughout the ceremony from two fire trucks on Main Street.
Huntington Cub Scouts from Packs 131 and 178 distributed ceremony programs and
Huntington Girl Scout Daisies handed out American Flags. Refreshments were
served, donated from Buttercooky Bakery and Dunkin Donuts.
The ceremony took place amidst the
American flag display known as the “Field of Honor” organized by the Kiwanis
Club of Huntington. For the 10th year in a row, The Kiwanis Club of Huntington
is sponsoring a “Field of Honor” of American flags on display at Huntington
Town Hall. 3’x5’ American flags are mounted on 8’ poles surrounding Veterans
Plaza on the front lawn of Huntington Town Hall. Each flag has its own
custom-printed gold ribbon personalized and dedicated to each veteran honoree.
Flags can be purchased at BuyAFlag.org for $35. Flags were assembled in early
September 2019 and will be taken down in December 2019. Net proceeds benefit
veterans’ and children’s causes in Huntington.
VIDEO: https://huntingtonny.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1993
Attached: Photos of the 2019 Town of
Huntington Veterans Day Ceremony.
###