No one has paid the price of freedom more than a United States Military Veteran, and during a heart-warming Veterans Day ceremony hosted by The Arbors at Westbury, over 25 WWII, Korean War and Vietnam veterans received commemorative certificates for serving our country.

With over 150 people in attendance, The Arbors also recognized Incorporated Village of Westbury Mayor Ernest Strada for his 27 years of unwavering commitment and dedication to the people of Westbury and Pat Yngstrom, deputy director of Nassau County Veterans Affairs, for his service in helping veterans apply for, and secure, federal assistance through the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program, a federal-funded program created by the Department of Veterans Affairs available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.

Also on hand to commemorate the day were members of the Nassau County Vietnam Veterans Color Guard and the Nassau County Girl Scouts choir who took part in the indoor ceremony as well as the special outdoor ceremony that included the raising of the American flag and the Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) flag by Strada and Yngstrom along with the unveiling a special war memorial.

"As a veteran myself, I'm proud to stand before you today and recognize all the men and women who serve our country so proudly. God bless every one of you, especially those who never made it home," said Yngstrom, who added, "All the veterans here today are survivors and we have our freedom because of them. I cannot thank all of you enough. It is an honor to be here and to honor all these heroes."

Strada, who was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife and daughter, addressed the attendees saying he was not only delighted to be honored by The Arbors but also humbled to be in the presence of real men and women. "Real heroes. All of us should recognize the freedoms you have protected," he said, adding, "God bless all our vets and keep them out of harm's way. Our thoughts and hearts are with all of them."

Among those Arbors residents and employees recognized for their service were:

Martha Azary - U.S. Army

Jacob Bauer - U.S. Army Air Corps

Scot Bell - U.S. Army

George Brehm - U.S. Air Force

Martin Charish - U.S. Army

Vito D'ottone - U.S. Army Force Tanks

John Eldridge - U.S. Army Infantry

Robert Feld - U.S. Air Force

Ralph Gay - U.S. Army

Herbert Goldstone - U.S. Army

Howard Hastings - U.S. Marine Corps

John Huber - U.S. Army

George Ladoceur - U.S. Navy

John Lupardo - U.S. Army Air Corps

William McCaughan - U.S. Navy

Bob McGrath - U.S. Army

John O'Connor - U.S. Navy Reserves

Pat Romanello - U.S. Navy

Carmen Scavo - U.S. Air Force

Robert Shultz - U.S. Army

Peter Sparta - U.S. Army

Elizabeth Travatello - Gold Star Mother (son was U.S. Marine)

Anthony Vernicek - U.S. Navy

Michael Vernicek - U.S. Navy

Gus Vignola - U.S. Navy

The Arbors is one of Long Island's leading assisted living communities with newly renovated locations in Westbury, Islandia, Hauppauge and Bohemia. Each resident's life at The Arbors is enriched through a distinctive approach of compassionate and comprehensive care, coupled with a fulfilling recreation program, individualized attention, fun social activities and extraordinary cuisine. For more information visit, www.thearborsassistedliving.com.

In conjunction to the Veterans Day ceremony, the Arbors Assisted Living Community at Westbury announced its new "Heroes Welcome Program," designed for all United States military veterans, surviving spouses and parents of veterans, to receive a special discount of up to 20 percent off their monthly living expenses. With respect and appreciation, the Arbors developed this program to give back to all the men and women who served our country over the years.

The Hero's Welcome Program also includes: transportation to the VA hospital and the state veterans home; veterans support groups and services; recreational programming and outings tailored to veterans; a welcoming gift with a patriotic theme; and vintage patriotic memorabilia, themed hallways and common areas.

For more information about the Heroes Welcome Program, contact Melissa Schuhmacher at The Arbors Assisted Living Community at Westbury at 333-6400 or email mschuhmacher@thearborsliving.com.