Honoring our nation’s heroes

COMMACK — The CSEA Long Island Region Veterans Committee is still as dedicated as ever to holding events to benefit and honor veterans.

In fact, the committee has held three recent events that brought in several guests and volunteers.

The first event was the committee’s annual Memorial Day observances at Calverton National Cemetery, where our members held a special ceremony in honor of U.S. military veterans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, including placing flags on graves of CSEA-affiliated people who served in the Armed Forces.

Their next event was the Flag Day ceremony, at which Veterans Committee members respectfully disposed of worn American flags. Veterans organizations recommend that flags be folded in the customary triangle manner, placed on a fire and that a ceremony be held while the flag is burning. Once the flag is completely consumed, the ashes are buried.

After the flag ceremony is complete, the committee held its annual car wash. This year, that event raised more than $700 for local veterans in need.

Long Island Region Veterans Committee Chair Maryann Phelps shares a reading about veterans at the ceremony.

Long Island Region Veterans Committee Chair Maryann Phelps said she is very pleased with the success of the event.

“Thank you to all CSEA activists, both active and retired, and volunteer school-age children who helped make our annual car wash a successful event,” said Phelps. “It is always heartwarming to see the community come out and support the cause, not only by having their cars washed, but also by just running over to leave a donation.”

“It gives me great pride to work alongside my fellow committee members and the volunteers,” said Phelps. “We all share a common bond, which is making sure that no veteran is left behind.”

— Wendi Bowie