Police and community come together to honor veterans in Longport

Nov, 11-2009 6:10 pm

By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer

LONGPORT – Weather threatened to ruin the Veterans Day ceremony being held by Longport American Legion Post 295 Wednesday, Nov. 11.

But like any good soldier, the veterans came up with a plan B and moved inside Borough Hall to present a program honoring all veterans and recognizing the 28 members of the Legion who were present.

Longport Mayor Nick Russo thanked all of the veterans present but also gave him impression of the men and women in uniform.

“Veterans, police officers and fire fighters, I tend to think of them as somewhat the same. Each one of them puts on a uniform to possibly save someone. The fact that these men and women are all volunteers is even more impressive,” said the mayor.

“The American Legion helps so much in our small community,” he said.

Russo pointed out that when something needs to be done or when someone needs help, the Legion leads the way.

After a few words by Post Commander Larry Pacentrelli, the veterans and their families were treated to a turkey dinner compliments of the Longport Police Benevolent Association.

“We wanted to say thank you and show our appreciation to our veterans,” said Patrolman Christopher Ricciotti, president of the PBA.