This past week has been devoted to honoring our veterans for their service, patriotism, valor, leadership and commitment to protect the freedom for all who live in our nation.
Too often their services are overlooked and some veterans are treated differently than other veterans. We see veterans who are homeless, lack a proper support network, are denied proper medical care and are not treated with the respect they deserve. It is the responsibly of the United States government at all levels to provide needed services to those who have served. This has to be a priority.
But it is also our responsibility as citizens and civilians to look out for veterans who are homeless, ill or in need. This recognition has to be every day and not just in conjunction with Veterans Day.
Over the the past week there have been many ceremonies. On November 7th, the East Bronx History Forum in conjunction with the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance honored those who have served and presented Tony Salimbene, U.S.Coast Guard, Ret. with an award in recognition of his, “valiant and honorable service to the citizens of the Bronx and for the greater benefit of the citizens of these United States formally presented here at the Van Nest Memorial.” Bernadette Ferrara included the commemoration of Kristallnacht in the ceremony noting how our veterans had joined in liberating those imprisoned in the concentration camps.
Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Carter
On November 8th, the annual Bronx Veterans Day took place in Throggs Neck. Many leaders, elected officials and residents turned out to honor our veterans. The Grand Marshall was Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Carter. Lieutenant Colonel Carter, a proud Tuskegee Airman, served during WWII, the Korean War and during the Vietnam War.
At age 93 he is proud of his service to our nation and proud of this nation. His grandson Jonathan delivered a very emotional speech where many shed tears as he told all about his grandfather on an intimate level.
On November 11th, the Annual Morris Park Salute to our veterans was celebrated at the Rudy Messina Peace Plaza. Special tribute was to Joseph Garofola. Garofalo served as a Seabee in the Pacific Theater during World War II and this sprightly South Bronx native still teaches others about the horrors of war. Garofalo, 94, is the founder and curator of the Bronx Veterans Museum at the John Dormi and Sons Funeral Home on Morris Park Avenue.
Joseph Garafola, Bronxite and veteran
At a previous Veterans Day he said, “Please remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They made it possible for you to enjoy these privileges. Most of the people honor our veterans twice a year, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day but I remember those that gave their lives every day. Even if it is a flash of a second, they are always on my mind. How can I forget? Thank God I remember. By remembering, I can enlighten you.”
Let us continue to remember our valiant veterans and their service to our nation.
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- John Doyle, Tony Salimbene, Eileen Salinbeen
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- Chris DiCostanzo and John Lanci
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- Tony Salimbene, US Coast Gurad, Ret.
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- Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, Father Stephen Norton, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Tommy Messina
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- Rev. Stephen Norton, St. Benedicts Church
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- Lt. Col. Floyd Carter, his grandson Jonathan Carter and Mike Rahiley
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- Silvio Mazzella, Tommy Messina, Jospeh Garofolo, Councilman Jimmy Vacca and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj
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- Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj
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- Councilman James vacca
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- Al D’Angello, Al Carena, Tony Signorile, Tommy Messina, Joe Thompson
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- Dennis Wales
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- Veterans Day 2015 Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza
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