Honoring our local heroes, on Thursday, October 30, State Senator Marty Golden hosted his annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony at the Bay Ridge Manor.
Golden was joined by local dignitaries, Congressmember Michael Grimm, Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis, and United States Army Garrison Commander Joseph Davidson as they honored Brooklyn veterans.
“Today, we gathered to remember and pay tribute to those who have answered our country’s greatest call and left their mark on history,” Golden said during the 9 a.m. breakfast. “We joined together to reflect upon, and to never forget, those who have and have not come home, and those who are missing or prisoner today.”
Among those who were honored were the Ladies Auxiliary of the Catholic War Veterans (LACWV), Russo-De Marco Post #1702, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans (LAJWV), Vietnam Veterans Jose Hernandez and Thomas Karnes, and NYPD Transit Authority K-9, Caesar.
The LAJWV was recognized for its volunteer work at the Veterans Administration Hospital, which includes distribution of games, blankets and various supplies to the patients.
For several decades, the LACWV have performed charitable works, raising funds for causes such as HeartShare, the Knights of Columbus and “Adopt a Priest.”
Post #1702 was honored for its volunteer work at the VA Medical Center. Members play games such as bingo with the patients, as well as sending Christmas cards to veterans overseas and hosting memorial masses for the fallen heroes.
Vets Hernandez and Karnes from B Company 1st Brigade, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division were rewarded for their courage. They were engaged in battle on February 22, 1966 in Vietnam, on a hilltop near Bon Song, Vietnam when they encountered fire. Hernandez was badly injured in that exchange, and Karnes aided the wounded soldier, and saved his life.
NYPD dog Caesar was recognized for his three tours of duty in Afghanistan.
“This is a great event that Senator Golden hosts every year, giving us the opportunity to thank our veterans for their service to our nation,” said Malliotakis. “Bay Ridge has such a vibrant and passionate community of veterans, and I’m proud to celebrate their heroic contributions.”
“Since our nation’s founding, every generation has answered the call to serve and protect. Think about the millions of men and women who have made a difference in the history of the United States of America. Think about their courage and think about your own this Veterans Day,” added Golden.
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