A local veterans post will honor a few community members at a time honored summer tradition.
The Theodore Korony American Legion Post 253 will salute several honorees at its annual installation of post officers and awards ceremony on Sunday, June 25 at 11 a.m. at Throggs Neck Memorial Post 1456’s clubhouse on 1456 Shore Drive.
The end of the season celebration begins with a brief meeting discussing the post’s accomplishments from the past year.
Following this, the installation of new officers and awards presentations will take place.
Among this year’s honorees are four scholarship winners ranging from fifth grade to high school, who will read their essays detailing the importance of veterans to our country.
The essays discuss a veteran who is important in each of the scholars’ lives and who may be related to them. Scholarship co-chairs Joseph Mondello and Colleen McCarthy will present these scholars with $300 August R. Messerschmitt Memorial scholarships and award plaques in recognition of their scholastic achievements.
Mondello noted that the scholarship bears the name of a late Post 253 member who helped fund these academic scholarships.
In addition, Post 253’s Ladies Auxiliary will bestow an award to Samuel H. Young American Legion Post 620 commander Owen Mangan for his help with Post 253’s Sergeant Christian Engeldrum Support the Troops Fundraiser.
According to Post 253 commander Guy Richardson, commander Mangan has been a continuous supporter of the Support the Troops Fundraiser and has hosted the event at Post 620’s clubhouse on 1530 Hutchinson River Parkway throughout the years.
As part of its Citizen Flag Alliance Program, the veterans post will also pay homage to local residents who honorable fly and properly tend to their American flags.
“We want to thank these people on behalf of the veterans for flying the flag and invite them to attend the event in honor of their patriotism,” expressed Mondello.
The post will conduct a swearing-in ceremony for its new post officers slated to serve from June 2017 to June 2018.
“These individuals being sworn in will continue to support our veterans and their families while also continuing to serve their community as their predecessors have done,” explained Richardson.
Commander Richardson added that a former Post 253 commander will be honored at the special occasion.
A donation will be made to YMCA International Judo Camp for its continued support to the post.
Richardson noted YMCA International Judo Camp co-founder and Post 253 member George Pasiuk and co-founder George Harris will be unable to attend the festivities due to a judo tournament scheduled for that same day.
He explained that a judo camp representative will accept a check from Post 253 on their behalf.
Following the awards presentation, guests will be treated to a barbecue starting at 1 p.m.
