New York State Assemblyman James Conte hosted a ceremony Nov. 10 in which he awarded New York State's highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross, as well as the New York State Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Medal for Merit to area veterans. The ceremony was held at the VFW Post No. 1469 in Huntington Station where over 50 veterans received commendations.

"On Veterans Day, we honor our veterans - the brave men and women who stood up for our freedoms," Conte said. "Events like this are a small way to recognize and pay tribute to veterans who have defended our country, distinguishing themselves through valor and honor."

New York State confers three military service awards related to service in the United States Armed Forces, including: The Conspicuous Service Star, awarded for unit commendations arising from combat during military service; the Medal for Merit, awarded to recipients of valor, achievement, commendation or meritorious service decoration, or whose service was in direct support of combat operations during military service; and, the state's highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross, awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by performing particularly brave and heroic acts which earned them individual citations during military service.

Among the veterans honored were: Joseph J. Caioppo, Kenneth Carlson, Eugene A. Casteli, Angelo J. Coscia, Salvatore John Cosentino, Francesco DeMartino, Julius F. Einemann, Pino I. Guarino, Peter Inglima, Leo J. Kerness, Harry Litras, George Lum, James McBrearty Jr., Constantine Panagakos, Arthur Samuelson, Leonard R. Totora, Peter Lewis Schlesinger, Rosario Capotosto, Philip C. Baehrle, Joseph E. Bartley, Leonard Karp, Carl A. Kuehne, Richard Rewkowski, Clifton Schellack, Gilbert J. Wennes, Joel S. Balsam, Gerard Barrett, John Bidas, Edward W. Billia, Anthony Bonamo, John Braut, John Capotosto, Joseph J. Carpico, Charles L. Carter, Anthony Cosentino, Anthony Cozzette, Ralph S. DeLiso, John A. DeSimone, Robert C. French, Wayne W. Hill , Carl A. Kuehne, Joseph E. Luginsland, Raymond J. Matthews, Kenneth McDonough, Harvey M. Nockowitz, John Olberding, Louis Ranaldo, James F. Sullivan, Thomas J. Travers, Bernard Volkommer, Kenneth Walsh, John Winzinger.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Len Tatorra, a Conspicuous Service Cross recipient himself, added to the occasion by conducting a solemn POW/MIA ritual, which was held during the awards presentation. The highly symbolic ceremony reminds us of those who are, as of yet, unaccounted for.

"I'm proud to have had the opportunity to present these awards to such distinguished veterans who have served our county so well," Conte concluded. "These awards signify their accomplishments - their bravery, honor and sacrifice -- from which we are able to enjoy the fruits of freedom. Through these medals, we honor their contribution to our country, expressing the undying gratitude of all New Yorkers."