Some silences are awkward, but the silence that filled the Sousa Bandshell crowd at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day was not; rather, it was deeply felt and solemn, as the 1999 observance of the contributions and sacrifices of our local and country's veterans began. With the Port Washington detachment of the Marine Corps Color Guard flanking him on one side, and other honored veterans around him, Bob Click, Commander of American Legion Post 509 of Port Washington, began the proceedings by explaining that Veterans Day this year was doubly sad because of the recent passing of "Uncle" George Bergman, nearly 102 years old and a Port favorite, who had served in World War I. Veterans' Day, Commander Click said, was the time "when a grateful nation pays respect to all living veterans."

Other speakers asked that we remember those now on active duty in the U.S. and in the 200 places throughout the world where they are stationed. A very moving rendition of The Ragged Old Flag was given by Joseph Birk, the National Judge Advocate for the China-Burma Veterans Association, and an American Legion member. Port Jewish Center cantor and veteran Herb Strauss sang a stirring and strong rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, which was followed by the words of Kevin O'Halpin, past Commander of the VFW, remembering and honoring the service of veterans - men and women - of all wars. Tears glistened in the eyes of most as Vince Borkowski played Taps on the trumpet. The empty POW-MIA chair onstage was a stark reminder of those still missing. In an observance filled with many poignant moments, one of the most moving was the joining of hands, across the bandshell stage, across strangers standing on the grass, across young and old, for a show of unity for our veterans.

This observance brought memories and reflections of the past to the minds of many. Baxter Estates Mayor John Weaver, who was a lieutenant colonel with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy during WWII, remembered the tremendous losses in their first few months. "One thousand killed, and 4,000 wounded," he said sadly, adding, "I think of them. Many were my friends." John Meehan, who served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1967 - 68, thought of his brother, Jim Meehan, now deceased, who also served as a Marine in Vietnam. "My father was one of six brothers," John said, " and they all served in every branch of the service at the same time. " It was natural, then, for John and his siblings to serve their country when called. " It's so easy to take our freedom for granted, though we shouldn't," he added thoughtfully.

Though Commander Click is in constant pain, no longer has use of his left hand, and walks with great difficulty, it is others who consume his thoughts on Veterans Day. He sadly recollected a pilot who died, Chief Officer James Goldberg, with whom he served, and First Lieutenant Richard Smith, who lost his life when shot in Vietnam's central highlands.

The Veterans Day observance, organized and conducted by American Legion Post 509 of Port Washington, the Henderson-Marino Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1819 of Port Washington, and the Marine Corps League, PW Detachment 614, was followed by the Kiwanis Club Dedication of a new plaque honoring the 14 Port residents who served and lost their lives in Vietnam. Standing beside the memorial stone at the Town Dock entrance, Kevin Shields of the Kiwanis Club explained that this was the result of two years of fund raising. The Schreiber High School Key Club, commented advisor Vicky Migatz and student Ryan Klang, held bake sales, car washes, and sold newspaper subscriptions to raise the money needed for this memorial; contributions from Jack Shields covered the other costs of the project. "There are four sides to this stone," said Kevin Shields, " and I hope we never have to carve additional names in the now-empty side."

Attendee Barbara Faticone, a lifelong Port resident, said it was "very emotional to see the plaque, with names of neighbors," now gone. Still, she said she was "very proud to be at the Veterans Day observance." Her friend Rosemarie Garofalo agreed. "It makes me think of my uncles in World War II, and my husband...I'm so grateful they came home," she said softly. Police Commissioner James Duncan was also very moved by the ceremonies. An Army captain, this company commander in Vietnam was modest about his service, even though he is a highly decorated veteran. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, an Army Commendation, and a Meritorious Award from his company. But it isn't the decorations he thinks of on this day; he thinks of friends lost. "Bruce Elliot was my uncle...he lost his life in Vietnam," Duncan said as he pointed to the name on the new plaque, "and Robert Zwerlein was my friend," he added, his eyes filled with tears, pointing to another engraved name.

Roz Leitman was very touched when her husband David, who served in the infantry in WWII, received a call from their daughter-in-law that morning, just to convey that she was thinking of him on this Veterans Day. Many, in fact, carried this heartfelt appreciation with them throughout this day of tribute. Still, American Legion First Vice Commander Arthur George said he was glad that "if someone drives by this site [the Bandshell] right now, they'll think, 'those fellas didn't forget.' " No, Port Washington will not forget.