The Town of Hempstead has always held its veterans in the highest regard. The brave men and women who served valiantly in defense of our country deserve to be admired and praised by all of our citizens. We annually recognize the efforts of a select few of our esteemed veterans with a medal ceremony at Town Park, Point Lookout over the Independence Day weekend.

The town is currently accepting nominations for deserving veterans to be awarded the Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal. To qualify, the applicant must be involved in volunteer services that aid his or her fellow vets.

Nominations for possible recipients of the 1999 Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal will be accepted in my office through Wednesday, April 14. The nominations should come from veterans organization leaders and be typed or neatly hand printed on the letterhead of the organization and signed by the leader. The nomination should be sent directly to me, Supervisor Richard V. Guardino Jr. Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. I will then forward the nominations to the distinguished selection committee.

Each nomination must include supporting documentation, as well as the name, address and telephone number of both the nominee and the nominator. No more than one nomination from the same post will be accepted. Each entry must include a copy of the nominee's DD214 or discharge. Winners and their nominators will be notified by mail.

This year's Veterans Award ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 3. The veterans will be honored at the beginning of the evening's festivities with ceremonies beginning at 7:30 p.m. The evening's entertainment will continue with a concert featuring Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by a rousing fireworks display.

This is always a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated event. We look forward to accepting nominations from organization leaders extolling the virtues of our respected veteran volunteers. I also look forward to greeting everyone at our very special event on Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Park, Point Lookout.