Community Corner

American Legion Salutes Veterans

Hand Aldrich Post 924 Hampton Bays holds moving ceremony.

American POWs and MIAs were honored along with all veterans at Thursday's Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Hand Aldrich Post 924 in Hampton Bays. 

A moment of silence was observed by all in attendance to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

To begin the ceremony, the colors were presented by the United States Coast Guard and the Hand Aldrich Post 924 Hampton Bays. 

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Prisoners of war and those missing in action, were remembered today with the POW/MIA Empty Chair.  This symbolic recognition is a regular part of meetings and other ceremonies of the American Legion.

The empty chair sits at a table with a white tablecloth.  The tablecloth represents the purity of the soldier's intentions and his loyalty to his country.  A slice of lemon is placed onto a white plate as a symbol of the missing soldier's bitter fate.  Salt is sprinkled on the place to represent the tears of his family and friends.  His glass is inverted to signify that he cannot toast, and there is a single white candle as a symbol of hope that he might one day return.

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Several local dignitaries were in attendance, including Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst Councilman Chris Nuzzi, Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, Suffolk County Commissioner of Economic Development and former Supervisor Patrick "Skip" Heaney, Judge Ed Burke and Southampton Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor.  Also recognized were Girl Scout Troop 759 and Boy Scout Troop 483.


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