Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz organized and hosted a Veterans Day Observance on Friday, Nov. 8, for those who have sacrificed for the nation.
The annual ceremony once again took place at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park. Elected officials addressed the gathering as they honored U.S. military veterans for their service.
Katz opened the ceremony by acknowledging the memorial in front of the gathering and reflecting on how Vietnam War veterans were “not given the respect they deserved” upon their return from duty.
She shared that when she first became a Council Member, she allocated funds to the wall honoring not only those who were killed in Vietnam but also those still battling war-related illnesses and those who returned home affected by the war.
Katz also paid tribute to World War II veterans, with the 80th anniversary of D-Day occurring this past June.
“We recognize a lot of anniversaries together as we are here to honor those who have come before us, those who are still fighting and those that we lost. We want to make sure that the sacrifices they and their families made are honored,” she remarked.
Katz acknowledged the effects that PTSD and other war-related traumas can have and believes it should be made clear if a person is a veteran should they get arrested and processed through the DA’s office.
She proceeded to introduce U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, who gave her own address at the ceremony.
Meng congratulated the veterans being honored at this year’s ceremony and thanked them for their service to the nation.
“Each of you embodies the value of service to your country and your community as soldiers but also as educators, advocates and community members. We can all learn from the examples that you have set,” Meng stated.
“We are also reminded of those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memories live on through our collective work to preserve the values for which they gave their lives: equality under the law, liberty and justice for all and safety and security for all New Yorkers and Americans.”
Council Member Bob Holden also came up to speak to the gathering as Chair of the Veterans Committee of the City Council. He explained how he has overseen PTSD hearings for veterans but has also expanded it for family members to receive benefits as well.
Holden announced that, after a long period of New York offering disability benefits below the national average, a new stipend will soon be available for veterans who serve as mentors.
He also expressed the importance of Veteran Service Organizations and how vital it is for them to receive a small amount of capital to keep them running.
“There should be no homeless shelters for veterans. They should be in apartments. They certainly deserve that,” Holden added as he thanked the honorees.
Katz welcomed the first honoree, Sergeant Michael Coston, to the podium and thanked him for his work keeping the DA’s Office running. Coston served in the U.S. Army from December 1978 to March 1987, participating in five tours over his nine years of service.
Coston received the Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Two Loops, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Expert Badge in Grenade, and the Expert Infantry Badge. He earned the rank of Sergeant in 1987 and has been a member of the DA’s Office since 2008.
MS4 William McDonald was the next honoree being recognized for his service in the U.S. Army between 1976 and 1984. After being Honorably Discharged, he worked for 20 years as a Correction Officer. He now serves as a community activist advocating for educational excellence in the NYC Public Schools System.
Specialist 4th Class Leonard Williams was then honored for his service in the Vietnam War. A few months after turning 18, Williams volunteered to go to Vietnam and was assigned to drive a convoy despite not yet having a driver’s license. His service ribbons include: Expert in M16, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
The ceremony was concluded with a tribute to the fallen, granting them a moment of silence and reflection.
