Legion Holds Veterans Day Memorial Service

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, at Mary Jane Davies Green, Manhasset veterans, their families and guests stood quietly as the Veterans' Day Memorial Service began. Commander Edward J. Gaus of the Manhasset Post 304, American Legion, struck the bell 11 times in memory of the moment 84 years ago when the guns were silenced and World War I ended. Chaplain William A. Baxter recited the "Eleventh Hour Ritual" followed by Taps, sounded by trumpeters Alexander Binberg and Andrew Syracuse of the Manhasset High School band. At the conclusion of Taps, the Post Commander placed a memorial wreath at the Gold Star Monument in remembrance of all veterans who made the supreme sacrifice.

Commander Edward J., Gaus and officers listen as Chaplain William A. Baxter recites the "Eleventh Hour Ritual."

But this year was different. The crowds were larger and there were more veterans present. Earlier on this sunny, mild day, the Manhasset Post 304 Legionnaires, the Women's Auxiliary and others in uniform, led by the Nassau County Sixth Precinct and a bagpiper marched from the American Legion Hall to the gazebo at Mary Jane Davies Green. In the first year of the new century, the United States had experienced the effects of war again, but this time war reached American soil with the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. These devastating assaults on the civilian population of the United States were acts of war and this community especially experienced tremendous loss. The larger than usual attendance was reflective of the resulting increased patriotism in recognizing and honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice.

Post Commander Gaus welcomed all the veterans, the Manhasset Ladies Auxiliary and guests, reminding everyone that Veterans Day "solemnly remembers and honors all of our veterans." He reviewed the events leading up to Veterans Day: the Armistice declared on Nov. 11, 1917 at 11 a.m., and eventually the United States Congress declaring the day a national holiday in 1954. Commander Gaus listed the wars of the last century and spoke of the brave men and women who fought, suffered and died for our freedom. He talked about the Armed Forces in recent years, in a peacetime deployment spread over the globe in 44 countries--some on peacekeeping missions. However, he said, Sept. 11 changed that "in a horrible way. As a nation and a community, we mourn the terrible loss of life. Our hearts go out to the many families who have suffered the loss of loved ones and we pray for them." Commander Gaus concluded by asking all to remember our veterans, the warriors of past wars and their sacrifices.

The ceremony ended with Legionnaire Robert McGuire leading those present in the singing of the National Anthem followed by God Bless America. Everyone was invited back to the American Legion hall for refreshments.

The ceremonies for the day were planned and organized by William A. Baxter, past county commander of the American Legion.