Commander Richard Langone's ambitious programs resulted in a week of patriotic ceremonies and activities involving military veterans, firefighters, policemen, emergency service workers and even elementary school children.

A contingent of Legionnaires participated in the North Shore School's observance of Veteran's Day by relating their military experience to the students. As the children questioned them as part of an awareness program inspired by the increase of patriotism since the events of Sept. 11, the Post #336 Veterans were eager to inform everyone in the "Gathering Room" with first-hand accounts of their encounters during war time.

The culmination of the week's activities was the emotional Veteran's Day Dinner Dance at Post Headquarters where our local heroes were honored for "outstanding service to their fellow Americans in their time of need in the spirit of the American Legion."

Specially designed plaques were bestowed upon our residents, who, aside from performing volunteer duties here, some are also uniformed officers of the New York City Police and Fire Departments, and were personally involved in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center "Ground Zero" site; Michael Biundo, chief, Glenwood Fire Company; Joseph Biundo, first assistant chief, Glenwood. Glenwood firefighters: Mark Broccolo-FDNY; Robert Brown - FDNY; Robert Brown, Jr. - FDNY; Richard Brugman - FDNY; Thomas Buchta - PAPD; Thomas Castle - NYPD; Peter Descovich - NYPD; Mark Fields - NYPD; Rodney Ford - FDNY; Robert Grabher - FDNY; Stephan Grabher - FDNY; Thomas Grabher - FDNY, Robert Kopetic - Corrections Officer - NYC, Thomas McGillicuddy - NYPD; Anthony Papiro - NYPD; Richard Pearsall - FDNY; Donald Sinski - NYPD; Jeffrey Warner - EMT, NYC; Daniel White - FDNY; David Whitting - Post #336 and US Army Special Forces, Craig White - Post #336 and USAF and Timothy Morley - Post #336, USCG and NYPD (was recruiting people in the WTC on 9/11/01).

Additionally a plaque was issued to Post #336 member, Lt. Bruce H. Hackert of the Arlington, Virginia Police Department, who was involved in the rescue efforts at the Pentagon Building in the Washington, DC area. Hackert is the son of our Post #336 Board Chairman Harry Hackert and his wife Yvonne.

Commander Langone read some of the rescue accounts as reported by Legionnaire and NYPD Officer Tim Morley, who was in the Twin Towers that fateful morning of the terrorist attacks. Needless to say there was not a "dry eye" in the audience as the description of the horrific drama unfolded. The heroes and their family members were given several standing ovations during the emotionally charged affair.

This historic "11th-hour" ritual ceremony was led by First Vice Commander Frank Galati and took on added significance. As all paid homage to our fallen brothers and sisters in all the past wars and our current wars being waged at home and abroad against terrorism.

Stay alert and God Bless America.