Since the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001 and the war in Iraq, the significance of Veterans Day has taken on new meaning. Nowhere this more prevalent than at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

On Sunday morning, Nov. 13 the United Veterans Organization (UVO) of Nassau County hosted a ceremony, honoring all veterans who fought for freedom in America. Representatives from organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Korean War Veterans Association and many more were on hand for the event. Members of government such as Legislator David Denenberg were present, as well as representatives for Governor George Pataki and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi.

New York Senator Charles Schumer kicked off the festivities with a very powerful speech.

"We have to honor our veterans," Schumer said. "We can't close veterans hospitals and cut back. What are we going to tell our next generation?"

The senator was very adamant about thanking the nation's veterans and making sure they are taken care of when they are sick or elderly.

The keynote speaker of the event was Colonel Vincent Montera who has earned many accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his great service to this country. Montera wanted to thank the unsung heroes during the time of war, who are family members of these soldiers.

"Our men leave behind spouses and children, who wait home on pins and needles, hoping to see them again, but unfortunately sometimes, they never do," he said.

This service took place in front of the newly refurbished Veterans Memorial at Eisenhower Park. What was once the world's largest birdcage, has been transformed into a large memorial, honoring veterans of wars spanning from the Spanish, to Catholic and Masonic. On the outskirts of the building, is a wall of honor, featuring over 6,500 names, and other various monuments, including the Jewish War Veterans Monument which was unveiled on Sunday.

Eisenhower Park was established 61 years ago, and its original purpose was to serve as a memorial for war dead. However, despite all the work of the park and the UVO, there hasn't been as much exposure as hoped.

"We need to keep the memory alive," the Vice President of Iwo Jima Survivors said. "We need to keep people aware of where they came from."

President of Iwo Jima Survivors, and a key contributor in the construction of the memorial, Angelo Sciotti echoed that thought and said, "Kids need to learn and appreciate history. What we have didn't drop out of the sky."

Others said schools should have their students come down to this memorial.

"If you walk around here, you will get a history lesson," UVO President Raymond O'Connor said.

The education of youngsters on these issues seems to be underway however, as flag etiquette, has been taught to over 100,000 students on Long Island according to Sciotti. And with the construction of the new September 11 memorial behind the current Veteran's Memorial, that should attract more youth.

This dedication to Nassau County Veterans has occurred every Memorial Day and Veterans Day since 1999 and, according to the UVO, it will continue that way for years to come.