American Legion Post 1711 honored those who have contributed significantly to the community, at their annual Americanism Night, last Friday.

Post Commander Bill Hynes opened the program by calling it, a "great evening" for the community and for the American Legion. He told the honorees, "This is your day, when we show that we care for you." Past Commander Henry To echoed this sentiments, noting the importance of the awards. To commented that the American Legion is made up of members of the community ranging from professionals, to civil servants, to entrepreneurs, thus the honorees were selected by members of the community who come from all walks of life. "Without people like you in the community, the community could not exist," To said of the honorees.

The first award was presented to Naval Sea Cadet Anthony Rhee. This award, presented by American Legion Chaplain Stu McKinney, was to recognize 16 year-old Rhee's participation in the rescue of a 2-year old kidnap victim.

American Legion member John Dobler, presented the next award to Nick Squigna, president of the Levittown/ Island Trees Little League. Squigna was honored for, "Dedication throughout the years, working with the youth of the community."

Also recognized, though not present to accept the award was Phi Lambda Phi, a C.W. Post organization which raised money for the Nassau University Medical Center's Coloring Book program.

American Legion member Jack Byrne presented an award to Brian Messina, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jack Barniea was presented with the next award. This award, which was presented by Past Commander Jim Boyle, was to recognize Barniea's 25 years of devotion to the Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps.

The next award presented was given to Peter Gibbons, Island Trees School District's Music Director. Henry To, in presenting the award, commented on what a great job Gibbons had done with the middle school band, and noted that they would be leading this year's Memorial Day Parade. Gibbons gratefully accepted the award, and spoke about what an honor it was for him to receive it. Gibbons said he was "humbled" by the award and explained that in March 1967 his brother was killed in Vietnam. His father had been a sailor in WWII and his other brother retired from the Army as a full colonel. With his family background, Gibbons said, it was especially poignant for him to receive an award such as this from the American Legion.

Past Commander Charles McCartan presented the next award to the Nassau County Police Department's 8th Precinct, "For a job well done, providing a safe community." This award was accepted by the precinct's new Deputy Inspector Palmer Tagle.

Corporal Roger Sokenis, of the Nassau County Sheriff's Department, was the recipient of the next award which was presented by Past Commander John Farley, who noted that the Sheriff's Department often goes unrecognized. Sokenis was recognized for his performance of duty in saving a life. Through this award, the legion recognized that "One person can make a difference."

American Legion member George Ebling presented the next award to Past Levittown Fire Commissioner Peter Fishbein, for 40 years of service to the community.

The final award is the Veteran of the Year award which is presented every year by the Levittown- Island Trees Veteran's Counsel. This award is intended to recognize one person who has done a great deal in the community. It was announced that this year's recipient of this award was Chuck Kilbride.

Hynes concluded the ceremony by noting that because of people like the recipients of these awards, the community "has a life of its own."