Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Several events on Staten Island Tuesday honored the contributions of the borough’s present and past U.S. military members in honor of Veterans Day. Staten Islanders gathered Tuesday afternoon at the New Brighton World War II Memorial on the North Shore Esplanade for a Veterans Day tribute honoring local veterans, active-duty service members and their families. “Some may want to erase history, but our community will never forget the service and sacrifice of our veterans and we are here today on this very cold and windy day to show you that,” said event organizer Veronica Gambon. Students from The Harbor View School, PS 59, contributed handmade “Thank You for Your Service” pennants to the ceremony, symbolizing the next generation’s gratitude for local veterans. The pennants were displayed along the Esplanade. During the event, Vice Commander Pablo Hidalgo, a local veteran, and other community members placed a wreath at the memorial, symbolizing pride and honor. The wreath was purchased through a donation from a member of the New Brighton Civic Association, who contributed her 50/50 raffle winnings to cover its cost. The Democratic Organization of the County of Richmond (DORC) collected food donations at the ceremony for its month-long drive supporting more than 900 active-duty and veteran households at the Blue Star Family Essential Market at Fort Wadsworth. Community members and attendees contributed to the drive. The World War II Veterans Memorial, located along the North Shore Esplanade, honors Staten Islanders who served during World War II. The Esplanade, which stretches from St. George to Snug Harbor, has hosted remembrance ceremonies and civic celebrations for decades. Event organizers expressed the significance of holding the tribute at the memorial given the borough’s long military history and tradition of community service. Also attending the ceremony were the Richmond County District Attorney’s education liaison Agnes McBeth, congressional candidate Troy McGhie, NYC Parks staff, and members of the community. The tribute also featured Nicole Doz-Pillarella, Mrs. New York International. 5 honored at South Shore event Councilmember Frank Morano, a Republican who represents the South Shore, hosted a morning ceremony on Tuesday at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Wolfe’s Pond Park, honoring local veterans for their lifelong dedication to service, community and country. The ceremony recognized five honorees: Frank A. LaMarsh, Al W. Klingele, Joe Preach, NYPD Captain Kevin Russell, and Joel Bibula. “Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is never free,” Morano said. “These honorees embody the best of Staten Island – service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others.” LaMarsh, a Vietnam veteran and commander of The American Legion Department of New York, served in Da Nang and Bien Hoa for which be received military honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal and the New York State Medal of Merit. He has held leadership roles at every level of the Legion and continues to advocate for veterans. Klingele, a U.S. Navy veteran, served 40 years in Seabee and Cargo Handling Battalions and is active in civic organizations, teaches at the NYPD Police Academy and serves on Community Board 3. Preach is the founder and CEO of the South Shore Community Food Pantry, which has provided food and resources to thousands of Staten Islanders. Russell, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and current commanding officer of the 123rd Precinct, emphasizes community trust and mentorship in his leadership, Morano’s office said. Bibula, a U.S. Army veteran, is a community media advocate who has documented hundreds of local events and preserved veterans’ stories through Staten Island Community Media. Community members and additional Staten Island veterans also attended the ceremony.
