The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 123 needed a site to relocate a veteran plaque and bronze monument because they were forced to sell their building.
President of All Faiths Cemetery Dan Austin stepped up with some space and a ceremony was held at 67-29 Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village to rededicate the memorabilia in its new location.
“We are happy to accommodate all the war veterans, and provide convenience for the families of war heroes,” said Austin.
Senate candidate Anthony Como, Assembly candidate Tony Nunziato and former Senator Serphin R. Maltese were some of the people who participated in the commemoration on October 15.
“It is critically important for us to honor those who have selflessly given their lives to the protection of the United States and our way of life,” said Como. “The relocation of these memorials to All Faiths Cemetery with the generous assistance of its President, Dan Austin, gives us a most appropriate venue where we can honor our nation’s veterans.”
The veteran monument honors all the members of the armed forces who served their country, wherever they may be. The bronze memorial plaque honors the doughboys (infantry men) that died fighting in WWI.
“All Faiths Cemetery is always honored to provide a place where people in the community can come and remember those who have passed,” said Austin. “When we are able to provide this space to honor and remember our nation’s veterans, it becomes even more important to do.”
Some of Austin’s staff had family members that served in the war, so this gave them an added incentive to help the VFW. Director of engineering at the cemetery Jimmy Goulet’s father Louis, 70, is a VFW member who served in the Vietnam War.
“All the staff at All Faiths Cemetery worked to recondition and place the memorials,” said Austin. “Credit goes to Goulet for his painstaking restoration of the bronze plaque, which was dedicated in 1926.”
All Faiths Cemetery is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and open Saturday 8 a.m to 1 p.m
