During a ceremony appropriately held on Flag Day, New York State Assemblyman Marc Herbst (R, C, I - Hicksville) honored six local veterans for their bravery and dedication during their years of military service.

Herbst presented the awards, which included the Conspicuous Service Cross, Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Medal of Merit, during the Friday, June 14 ceremony at H.R. Singletons in Bethpage.

"Flag Day has been overlooked as a holiday," said Herbst. "Due to recent events, this year Flag Day carries more significance and importance of what the flag stands for. This was an appropriate way to honor those who served our country with the highest valor."

To be eligible for these three awards, members of the armed forces were required to meet certain criteria as well as receive certain awards during their years of military service. Of those nominated, only six members of the 14th A.D. qualified, including Walter Gaylor, Gregory Vazquez, Peter Guiliano, Edward Collins and the late Joseph Jablonsky as well as Steven Anthony Carozzo of Farmingdale.

The New York State Conspicuous Service Cross Award was presented to Joseph P. Jablonsky (posthumously) and Walter W. Gaylor, both of Hicksville. To be eligible for such an honor, one must be a United States citizen who received specified high individual decorations while in active service with the United States armed forces (other than for training or Active Guard/Reserve), and whose service was otherwise honorable. This award is also presented to Prisons Of War (POW), Killed In Action (KIA) and Missing In Action (MIA) service members and for certain other specific wartime service.

Gaylor, a member of the Unites States Army, served in World War II from March 1944 to Feb. 1946. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle East Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

A lifelong resident of Hicksville, the late Jablonsky served in World War II from Jan. 1941 to Oct. 1945. During his years in the United States Army, Jablonsky was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, European-African-Middle East Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Accepting the award in his late father's honor was Joseph Jablonsky, Jr. "He had all these medals, but would never tell us what he did," said Jablonsky of his father. "He also said he was a cook and I remember thinking that with all these medals, he must have been one hell of a cook." Jablonsky added that to this day he isn't quite sure what his father really did for the military. "It doesn't matter because I know he was a good American and did a great job," he said.

Vazquez of Hicksville and Carozzo of Farmingdale both received the New York State Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Medal for Merit.

The Conspicuous Service Star is awarded to current and former members of the Armed Forces of the United States whose service on federal active duty was honorable and who were recipients of unit commendations arising from combat participation. The Medal for Merit is awarded to current and former members of the Armed Forces of the United States whose service on federal active duty was honorable and who were recipients of a valor, achievement, commendation or meritorious service decoration, or whose meritorious service was in direct support of combat operations. Recipients of both awards must be a current or previous New York State citizen who, while serving on federal active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, was a member of a unit qualifying award.

Vazquez served in Korea from Feb. 1953 through Dec. 1954. A member of the United States Army, Vazquez received the Korean Service Medal with one bronze star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation. Being honored with the Conspicuous Service Star and the Medal for Merit, said Vazquez is an honor. "I am very happy," he said. "It was a great surprise because I did not know anything about it. When the letter came with my full name on it I thought I was getting drafted again."

Carozzo, who served in Vietnam from Oct. 1967 through August 1970, received the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the National Defense Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. In addition to the Conspicuous Service Star and Medal for Merit, Carozzo also received one silver shield.

In receiving these awards, Carozzo said, "I am proud to be an American veteran, but I am even prouder to be a Vietnam veteran. When we first came back, there was no welcome home ceremony. Getting this award feels great because it's about time we get some recognition." Carozzo, who also goes by the nickname "Rambo," said he is hoping to be chosen for an upcoming season of the television reality series Survivor, adding that carrying out the challenges on a deserted idea should be no problem after surviving in Vietnam.

Also receiving the Medal for Merit were Peter Guiliano and Edward W. Collins.

Guiliano, a member of the United States Navy who served in World War II from Jan. 1943 to Nov. 1945, also received one silver shield.

During his service, Guiliano was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal and World War II Victory Medal. "I am very proud," said Guiliano's wife, Joan. "He earned it and it's nice he is being recognized."

Collins, who served in World War II, was the recipient of the American Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. In addition to the Medal for Merit, Collins also received two silver shields.

"It is beautiful to know we are still being remembered after so long," said Collins. "I just wish the rest of my buddies were here."