Five Towns War Veterans Commemorate Fallen Comrades

Veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War gathered on Thursday at the monument located at the VFW Pfc. John J. Oliveri Post 1582 in Inwood to salute their fallen comrades and mark Veterans Day.

"Too many people take this day for granted," said Nick Santora of Roslyn, who came to take part in the ceremony with his father John, who served in World War II and is a member of Post 1582. "In a time of crass political bickering, we all unite for a common cause."

 Joe Squitieri, head of Post 1582, read a passage from the VFW's manual:

"As long as two comrades survive — all veterans of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead. Comrades attention! On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This monument represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies, there the ground is hallowed.

Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men — an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air they have made us their debtors for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people."