Supervisor Kate Murray is recently announced the 2004 recipients of the Town of Hempstead Veterans Award. In addition, the town has finalized its program for this year's Salute to Veterans ceremony at Town Park Point Lookout July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

"I will be honored to present the Town of Hempstead Veterans Award to six deserving individuals on the evening of July 3," Supervisor Murray said. "In addition, I will be presenting the town's Veteran's Medal to the family of Richard McLean, who resided in Levittown and will be honored posthumously. Other 2004 winners are Vincent DeMartino of Floral Park, Bill Farrar of Hempstead, J. Leonard Goldstein of Lynbrook, John Perez of Seaford, Earl Valder of Franklin Square and Herbert A. Friedman of Bellmore. These persons have exhibited tireless energy and unending devotion to helping veterans and their families in our community."

The following are short biographies of each recipient:

DeMartino makes monthly visits to Northport VA Medical Center to deliver food, refreshments and books to the veterans there. He currently is the assistant director of the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service.

Farrar has been a volunteer at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency for more than 10- years as part of the agency's drivers program, which transports veterans who can no longer drive to medical appointments.

Friedman regularly writes on the subject of veterans and current military affairs in newspapers, magazines and on the Internet and is serving his sixth term as commander of the North Bellmore American Legion Post 1749.

As a member of the Marine Corps League, Goldstein collects and donates clothes, reading materials and food for hospitalized veterans at St. Albans VA Hospital. He also helped run a support drive for Maine reservists from the Second Battalion 25th Marines in Garden City.

McLean drove to the Northport VA Hospital on a weekly basis and would return with helpful information he would pass on to other veterans in need. McLean was the commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of Nassau County at the time of his passing Jan. 9, 2004.

Perez has been going to Northport VA Hospital for more than 12 years to assist, care for and share quality time with veterans. He is currently the commanding officer of American Veterans Post 88.

Valder is the hospital chairman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718 in Franklin Square, organizing monthly visits to Northport and St. Albans VA facilities.

The criteria for the Town of Hempstead Veterans Award is based solely on humanitarian contributions made to fellow veterans. It does not take into consideration military record or activity.

"In addition to the medal presentation, the town will honor Joyce Rommel of Freeport with the Town of Hempstead Special Service to Veterans Award," Councilwoman Angie Cullin noted. "Mrs. Rommel has been an outstanding advocate of veterans for many years and serves as the National POW/MIA chairperson for Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc."

Following the ceremony, the town will present an Oldies Rock N Roll show, featuring Randy and the Rainbows with Randy Safuto; Jay Siegel and The Tokens; and Stan Zizka's Del Satins. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display.

"I invite all town residents to attend this event," Murray said. "The ceremony will include a display of military equipment by Second Battalion 25th Marines of Garden City, a submarine model from the Submarine Veterans of World War II and a classic car display by the Greater New York Region, Inc. Antique Automobile Club of America. I hope to see you at Town Park Point Lookout as we celebrate our nation's independence."

Admission and parking (after 4 p.m.) are free. Residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets for their comfort. Town Park Point Lookout is located at the intersection of Lido Blvd. and Loop Parkway.