Huntington Praises Veterans For Service [PHOTOS]

Every Huntington veteran has a story — and each one of them was lauded Sunday by the town.

On the front lawn of Town Hall, military members of the past and present were commemorated in a heartfelt service at Veterans Plaza at the annual Veterans Day Program and .

"Today at this beautiful Veterans Day ceremony we say thank you to all military veterans from all wars," said Veterans Advisory Board member Paul Kelly in a remembrance speech.

Many Huntington veterans survived the horrors of war then came home to find a wife or a husband, raise children and live in peace, according to Kelly.

"Huntington, being a very patriotic community, has no shortage of military veterans," said Kelly, who said all served with pride and honor. "Our men and women veterans came home, took off their uniforms and resumed their civilian careers."

In his welcoming comments to the large crowd gathered in front of Town Hall Huntington Veterans Advisory Board Chairman Mario Buonpane said every veteran has a story.

Buonpane said it was heartwarming to see the ceremony grow during the past two decades.

"We started off about 18 years ago with just a few people coming on Sunday morning," said Buonpane.

In a speech, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said we should be happy for military members that have gone and returned safely from service.

"All of us are thinking right now and we're reminiscing of the days when we were there, wherever we were, during the world wars or the other wars that we fought," said Petrone. "Our families are sitting here and they're reminiscing and thinking too, some good, some bad, but all the skies are blue its a beautiful day we are alive and we're free and that's beacause all of you standing here."

The keynote speaker Ed Billia of Huntington, a veteran of the brutal Chosen Resevior battle during Korean War.

"This is a day for the living," said Billia. "We went and did what our country asked us to do."

Billia said we owe our existence and way of life to veterans.

"We take a lot of our freedoms for granted. I think it helps sometimes if we lose a few of them that all of a sudden we find out just what we were blessed with," said Bellia, who recognized his grandson, an active duty U.S. Marine.

"He volunteered to do things that would protect me and keep my way of life alive and for that I could never thank him enough," said Billia, gave the benediction.

In what he called a "a field of honor and one of the most sacred places in Huntington," Rep. Steve Israel, stressed three challenges regarding veterans while promoting a military history book he authored.

"I've never pretended to be the smartest member of Congress, although I don't think the competition is that stiff, but I am the most serious student of military history," said Israel, D-Huntington.

Israel said it's important to honor those who have died, take care of those currently in uniform and stand up for veterans who have sacrificed.

"We will win those challenges when we honor our fallen, when we share responsibility to protect our troops and when we fight for those who have fought for us," said Israel.

The lawmaker quoted former Secretary of State Colin Powell regarding the Iraq War and President Franklin Roosevelt to underscore the obligation for safety and security of the nation which Israel says Americans should share.

The Roosevelt quote was read from the book "Charge: America's Greatest Military Speeches," authored by the Congressman — who mentioned where the book could be purchased while promoting it in his speech to the honor veterans.

"It's one of the best books on military history," said Israel, "and it's by me."

A wreath presentation was made by Israel and Petrone.

For the second consecutive year, the Huntington Kiwanis, which has sponsored the Field of Honor flags displayed on the Town Hall lawn, hosted a canteen at the ceremony.

This year, the group dedicated the canteen to the memory of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer John Engeman, who was killed in action in Iraq in May, 2006.  Northport’s Engeman Theater is named in his memory.

Entertainment was provided by the Huntington High School Chorus; John Martin on the bagpipes; and vocalist Karen Milton.

The invocation was provided by Father John Malone of the Northport VA Medical Center.

A rifle salute was provided by members of the Huntington Marine Corps League.

Various members of the Town Board and other elected officials were present including Huntington Bay Mayor Herb Morrow, Suffolk County Legis. Steve Stern and Huntington Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia.