NST’s Annual Salute to
Veterans
BY JILL DAVIS
NPhotos by Dawn Steinberg orth Shore Towers’ 16th
Annual Salute to Veterans
took place on Monday,
November 11, to a packed
audience in Towers on the Green.
The program, which was organized
and emceed by Board First
Vice President Fred Chernow, was
a moving tribute to all who have
served in the US military.
Fred opened the evening by inviting
those in attendance who served
in WW II, the Korean War, Vietnam
or Desert Storm and other fields
of conflict to stand in recognition.
“Tonight we honor these men and
women who served in the military,”
Fred said. “Your service to
our country is deeply appreciated.
Let’s never forget, we are the land
of the free because of the brave.”
TO THOSE WHO SERVED
Fred noted that last year, Felice
Hannah led the Pledge of Allegiance
but recently had to leave the board
because of health reasons. Fred
spoke about many of Felice’s many
accomplishments, including her
work with children with special
needs and her dedication to gender
equality and women’s rights. His
remarks provided a fine segue to his
introduction of women from NST
who were invited to speak about
their experience as women related
to men relatives who have served.
Before they began, Board President
Bob Ricken led the audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Marilyn Goldberg took the podium
first to talk about her father, who
was a veteran of WW I. Marilyn’s
father left the US for England in
1918 and spent more than a year
in France. “He never spoke of his
army days,” she said, “but I can
imagine his uncertainty and fear.”
She noted that he won the Purple
Heart, but she never learned what
wound he sustained. Reflecting
the sentiment of many veterans’
children, she said, “I’m sorry we
never talked about it. I have so
many unanswered questions.”
Fred then introduced members of
the American Legion, noting that
it is the oldest and largest veteran’s
organization in the US, having
been chartered by Congress after
WW I. “We’re proud to have our
local Post 103, Douglaston-Little
Neck, here tonight,” Fred said. The
Commander of Post 103, Sebastian
D’Agostino, highlighted the 103’s
long history and accomplishments.
“My post has been around since
1926. Our Veteran’s Day parade
was originally only on Douglaston
Parkway and this year was declared
the largest American Legion
parade in the country. It’s to honor
everyone who served. God bless
them all to serve our great country,”
Sebastian said. He reported
that the post has over 80 members
and noted that Fred Chernow is
its newest member, having joined
the organization just that morning.
New York State Senator John Liu
was in attendance as well and spoke
of his immigration to the US. “I was
5 years old when I came here. My
family adopted this country that’s
given me so much opportunity,” he
said. He continued, “It’s a privilege
to be here today to honor those
men and women who served and
laid their lives on the line.”
Fred returned to the podium to
introduce Irene Baron, who was
born in London, where she grew
It was a full house!
Fred Chernow & Ed Phelan
Marilyn Goldberg Irene Baron
10 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ December 2019