On Thursday, May 24, the eve of Memorial Day weekend, the Honoring Veterans Stamp was unveiled at the Farmingdale Public Library in recognition of all US veterans who served the nation in times of war.

"Nothing is more appropriate on the eve of Memorial Day weekend than to honor our veterans," said Richard Kitson, Farmingdale Postmaster and Master of Ceremonies at the unveiling.

The stamp, which bears a picture of the American flag, reads "Honoring Veterans" across the top and "Continuing to Serve" below the flag. Copies of the stamp were sold at the ceremony along with pins, plaques and other memorabilia. The stamp was made available nationwide on May 23 when it was initially unveiled in the nation's capitol.

The US Marine Corps 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines of Garden City started the ceremony with the presentation of colors while all veterans in attendance saluted the flags. Following the presentation of colors, Kathy Ryan sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Keynote speakers included Thomas F. Rosati, USPS LI District Manager/Executive-in-Charge and Mary Dowling, director of VA Hospital in Northport. Rosati was recognized as a combat veteran who "was a leader then, he's a leader now," Kitson said, adding that Rosati is the person he models himself after. "He and Mary Dowling are going to take us into the 21st Century where our veterans won't be forgotten." Dowling was recognized as a dedicated caregiver to veterans in both her current position at Northport and her previous position when she worked in Brooklyn. She was described by Kitson as "a nurse first, a veteran second and an administrator third." Dowling is a retired lt. colonel who spent 21 years in the US Army Reserves.

"It's not just for those who served just in war time, but for those who serve us today...it's about veterans; organizations, veterans' groups; people who served veterans in the past and continue to serve veterans today. That's the point of unveiling the stamp," said Rosati, adding that just on Long Island there are approximately 2,500 veterans. On a nationwide level, more than 25 million Americans, or almost one in every 10 adults, are veterans.

"I think that there is nothing more fulfilling than to serve one's country and one's fellow citizen," Dowling said. "It is my firm belief that no group is more deserving of American admiration and gratitude.

"It is my sincere wish that the introduction and continued use of the Honoring Veterans Stamp will create for each citizen countless opportunities for personal rededication to the causes of freedom," Dowling said.

Dowling was later presented with flowers and appreciation from veterans who knew her when she worked at Brooklyn Hospital, telling her they missed her very much. "All our needs were always met by you," one veteran said while thanking Dowling.

The ceremony concluded with Kathy Ryan leading those in attendance in God Bless America, and several veterans joined hands and sang along.

"It's all about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice," Kitson concluded about the stamp unveiling ceremony. "We need no remembrance, no reminder. We know why we're here. We're all friends...let's stay a family."