It is imperative to take of those who served our country, New Hyde Park Mayor Lawrence Montreuil said at a Veterans Day ceremony outside village hall Monday.
“Today on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year we honor our veterans for the love of their country and their courageous acts of selflessness to defend their freedoms and our way of life,” Montreuil said.
Montreuil said that only 7.6 percent of Americans are veterans.
“They are very special people among us,” he said.
When veterans return from service, they are expected to act as if they studied abroad, Montreuil said.
“We must do more for these special people. They need our help,” Montreuil said. “Without their sacrifices, self-discipline, and bravery our nation would not continue to exist. There are too many enemies around the world that would love to see the American experiment started by our founding fathers failed.”
Montreuil said New Hyde Park residents can help veterans by simply giving them their respect, love, appreciation, and love. Montreuil also honored the military service of New Hyde Park Trustee Rainer Berger, a colonel in the Air Force reserves.
The ceremony was organized by New Hyde Park American Legion post member Bill Hothan. The legion handled the opening and closing flag and wreath ceremonies at the event.
New Hyde Park residents shared the names of their family members who served during the ceremony.
