Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The museum was filled with applause and words of appreciation for veterans on Tuesday. OLD BETHPAGE, NY — The feeling of honor was strong at The Museum of American Armor's Veterans Day ceremony and dedication on Tuesday. The museum shared the dedication of an operational replica WWI tank. Museum Vice President Gary Lewis said the tank is a representation of military technology and the grandfather of every successful tank. There were veterans, community members, politicians, as well as living historians in WWI uniforms and other re-enactors in the battle dress of American soldiers. Many community members and officials gave their support and appreciation to veterans, including speeches by Museum Trustee Jon Greenfield, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, New York State Senator Steven D. Rhoads, and more. Jon Greenfield shared some quotes, including that the fallen are remembered on Memorial Day, and Veterans Day is to honor the living. For the tank dedication, Bill Barto reflected on his father, who was born in 1893. His father fell in love with the horses on his farm and joined a cavalry station in Texas: "He loved every minute of it." Barto concluded his remarks by saying he sees people share that they never got to meet their heroes, but that wasn't the case for him: "I was raised by mine." Supervisor Saladino said this museum is part of what makes Long Island so special: "It's an amazing way to take a walk through history." He continued by saying how important it is that we honor our veterans every day. "We have the best nation in the whole world," he said. "We have freedoms beyond anything comparable throughout the world, because of the sacrifice of our veterans. We have freedom of speech because of our veterans. Freedom of press because of our veterans. Freedom of education because of our veterans, and freedom to pursue whatever your heart desires because of our veterans. They have protected us with this tremendous sacrifice, and we owe them so much, well beyond one day." Saladino also said that Long Islanders can do their part in helping our local veterans. "It's critical that we fully fund the Veterans VA Hospital in Northport," he said. "We also have food drives. There are so many ways to say 'thank you,' including walking up to a veteran and saying 'thank you so much for protecting our country.'" Rhoads also spoke about what community members can do to support our local heroes. "Many of us will never be called to serve the way that these brave men and women have been called to serve, but we can all serve our communities in our own way," he said. "They sacrificed to protect our freedoms. We can make contributions to our own community. Whether it's helping to bring in food or raise money for the Nassau County Veterans Food Pantry in East Meadow, or doing something for a local community organization, or taking the time to put flags out at one of our national cemeteries." He said he was grateful to be able to join veterans and community members at the museum on Veterans Day. "It's beautiful for us to take the opportunity to remember to be thankful for the sacrifice made by so many," he said. Nicholas Casseus, 27, is a part of the re-enactment tank crew at the museum and has been a living historian for almost seven years. "It's important to retell the stories, the untold stories, of many Americans who served," he said. "It just shows my love for this country and particularly the veterans of this country, past and present." He said he is proud of being part of the crew. "I've had the great privilege to volunteer and re-enact here– re-enacting the 761st tank battalion," he said. "They were the first all black tank battalion, called overseas by General Patton himself, to fight for this country. It's a great honor of mine to carry on that legacy for them. We owe a great debt to them."
