HAUPPAUGE — CSEA Long Island Region Veterans Committee members did not let the pandemic stop them from holding their annual Veterans Day ceremony at Armed Forces Plaza.
CSEA Long Island Region and Statewide Veterans Committee Chair Maryann Phelps, who also serves as the Long Island Region Secretary, said she thought it was especially important to have the ceremony because of the difficulties so many veterans have faced this year.
“2020 has been a really tough year for so many people,” Phelps said. “When you factor in the isolation, it has been especially hard on our combat veterans who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The committee felt it was especially important that we took the time to show respect to all veterans on Veterans Day during COVID.”
During the event, there were special readings in honor of American veterans who died in battle or were prisoners of war.
“Our veterans have put themselves in harm’s way and made so many sacrifices for all of us, without any hesitation whatsoever,” Phelps said. “There was no way we could miss the opportunity to honor them on Veterans Day by holding a small ceremony.”
CSEA Long Island Region Veterans Committee members load up one of two cars full of food donations to the Veterans Place. From left, Ed Hussey, Bill Parente, Long Island Region Judiciary Local President and CSEA Long Island Region 3rd Vice President Diane Hansen and Maryann Phelps. (Photo provided by Maryann Phelps.)
The committee’s devotion to veterans did not stop there.
Several Long Island Region Veterans Committee members delivered two cars full of donated food items to the Veterans Place, a local food pantry and shelter for homeless veterans.
All of the food donations came from CSEA members who attended the CSEA Long Island Region Drive-Thru Information Day, where attendees were asked to bring a non-perishable food item for veterans in need.
True to form, the members delivered on the donations and on their commitment to those who served.
The large haul of food was highly appreciated by the Veterans Place facility.
“I want to sincerely thank CSEA members for their generosity,” said Marcelle Leis, director of Veterans Place Shelter for Homeless Veterans. “Your donations will help to feed many food insecure veterans’ families.”
— Wendi Bowie
Above, The Long Island Region Veterans Committee’s Veterans Day ceremony was scaled back this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was still as thoughtful as always. From left, CSEA Long Island Region President Jerry Laricchiuta, CSEA Long Island Region Judiciary Local Vice President Larry Germano, Veterans Committee member Bill Parente, CSEA Statewide and Long Island Region Veterans Committee Chair and CSEA Long Island Region Secretary Maryann Phelps, Veterans Committee members Ed Hussey, in back holding American flag, and Steve Abramson, in front holding P.O.W. flag.
