In a service held each year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council, along with Levittown community members, took a few moments to remember the sacrifices made by veterans and current soldiers in the past and today.

The ceremony was held on Veterans Day at the Levittown Veterans Memorial Park. A Levittowner and former veteran himself, Legislator Dennis Dunne Sr., is also president of the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council.

"We should thank the men and women who have served and are serving our country," Dunne, who helped organize the event, said.

Dunne then told the crowd that he remembered being thanked by a stranger while in California before heading off to war.

"That meant so much to me," Dunne said.

He also informed the children about the history of Veterans Day and how it became to be known as such.

"On Nov. 11 in 1919 at 5 a.m. a peace treaty was signed to take effect six hours later," Dunne explained. Referring to the end of World War I Dunne added, "It was the war to end all wars."

After Dunne addressed the crowd about the history of what was originally called Armistice Day, Dunne acknowledged some of the Girl Scouts present. They created homemade cards for the veterans and Dunne said he would send them to the Northport VA Hospital so that "the veterans who couldn't be here today could enjoy them."

Other community leaders such as American Legion Post 1711 Past Commander Henry To, VFW Post 9295 Commander Jim Hasselmann and American Legion Post 1711 Commander Andy Booth also addressed the crowd.

"You will never see a land as beautiful as America," Booth said. "So enjoy it while you're here."

"The troops are making a big sacrifice and they need your support," added Hasselmann.

Hempstead Town Supervisor and Levittowner Kate Murray was also in attendance. She recognized this "very special day for Levittowners."

"This community was built to help young veterans buy homes," Murray said. "We have always had a special feeling for our veterans here in Levittown."

Murray then asked attendees for a round of applause for all the veterans present at the ceremony.

After the ceremony both American Legion Post 1711 and VFW Post 9295 hosted affairs with food and refreshments at their establishments.