The veterans of the United States certainly know the price of freedom. It is one of sacrifice, of leaving all that you love in order to fight for it. In Veterans Association hospitals in Northport and St. Albans, some veterans continue to sacrifice everyday. Their constant payment for freedom is evident in the wounds they endured during the horrors of war.

Some veterans from various Nassau County Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion chapters visit their fellow comrades in those hospitals, helping to bring some cheer and companionship.

Traditionally, the Town of Hempstead holds its Veteran's Salute each year around Independence Day to recognize those town residents who have displayed care, compassion and respect to their fellow veterans.

On Sunday evening, June 29, the Town of Hempstead presented the Town's Veteran's Medal to five worthy veterans who have not only served to protect this country's freedom, but continue to serve through their commitment to helping other veterans and their families.

"Our veterans throughout the ages have fought to preserve our freedoms and it is only appropriate that we honor these heroes as part of our annual Independence Day celebration," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. "This event is a highlight of the year and we are proud to be able to recognize these individuals' extraordinary service."

The recipients of this year's Veteran's Medal are Calvin Bryant of Roosevelt, Frank Cordomeyer of Franklin Square, Glen Rogers of Freeport, Robert Spicer of Wantagh and James Whitehead of Rockville Centre. All have shown care, compassion and generosity in their quests to improve the quality of life for those who have also served.

"These persons have exhibited tireless energy and boundless devotion to helping veterans and their families in our community, " said Supervisor Murray. "It is a privilege for us to have this opportunity to recognize their dedication."

Mr. Rogers, the manager of Krauss Funeral Home in Franklin Square, has generously provided bus transportation to Calverton National Cemetery for families of deceased veterans. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War while Cordomeyer, a member of the Franklin Square VFW Post 2718 and a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during World War II, visits the veterans hospitals in Northport and St. Albans twice a month. He is always their to cook, serve and lend some company.

"They're very dedicated to the veterans hospitals. They do a lot for the hospitals. Whenever, they have an opportunity, they help out with the veterans functions. They're very active in the community also," said Elmont resident and Franklin Square VFW Post 2718 member Vincent Nocerino, a former town Veteran's Medal honoree who sponsored Cordomeyer.

Cordomeyer and Nocerino go twice a month to the veterans hospitals together. They see fellow veterans who are living there for the remainder of their lives. "If you go through the wards in St. Albans, you will find a lot of amputees. I went to one room and there was a fella with no arms and no legs. You have a lot of fellas who can't talk. Their voice boxes have been shot off," he said. "You made sacrifices, but when you look at these fellas, you say 'I'm the lucky one. I made it home alive.' They are still sacrificing."

Although it is may be heartbreaking to visit the VA Hospitals, for men like Nocerino and Cordomeyer and the others who were honored by the Town of Hempstead, it is the least that can be done for those who have given their lives in military service. "They welcome our visits. They thank us a million for coming. Every time you go there, you want to go back. When I see guys going to the hospital, I want to be with them because I know what these fellows have gone through," said Nocerino, a World War II veteran. "You don't know what to do for them."

Pat Argenzio, a resident from Garden City South, is another who makes routine trips to the veterans hospitals with Nocerino, Cordomeyer and Spicer. Argenzio, another past recipient of the Town's Veterans Medal, hopes to be able to bring some joy to the veterans at the hospitals by playing Bingo with them, having horse races and serving refreshments.

Cordomeyer considers himself lucky to have come back from World War II the way he did. He was 17 years old when he joined the Navy in 1942.

As a gunner in a TBM, he was shot down twice. He spent 29 months overseas and was discharged in Lido Beach in 1945. Ironically, that's where the Town's Veterans Salute took place.

He visits the hospitals to visit with those who perhaps weren't as fortunate. "These poor guys. Some of them are there for 30 or 40 years, looking at four walls. It's the least we could do for them," he said.

Thanks to the veterans like those who were honored, perhaps those who sacrificed their lives so other could enjoy theirs will not be forgotten in the hospitals.

In addition to honoring the five veterans who have given selflessly of their time to help their fellow veterans, the town also made a special presentation to Margaret Gilman of Garden City, who was one of 1,800 women who enlisted and played a crucial role in the country's defense as a Women's Air Force Service Pilot during World War II.

The town also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean War by recognizing the Korean War Veterans Association, Nassau County Chapter One for their service both during the war and as veterans.

Supervisor Murray also presented Lesley Gore in concert. Gore is most known for the hits, Judy's Turn to Cry and It's My Party. The ceremony concluded with a firework's display.