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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Local veterans honored
Obituary: Doug Lang of Lang’s Shoe Store
Kids on ‘how to cook a turkey’
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VOL. 75 NO. 48
NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2025
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Carolyn James/Herald
Veterans and public officials take a moment to commemorate the day with a photo.
Amityville pauses to remember the sacrifices of its veterans By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com A moving ceremony was held in Amityville Village this year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — Veterans Day — as the community gathered with public officials and veterans whose service helped write the quiet chapters of the nation’s story of freedom. “As we gather to observe Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to our country remind us that the freedoms we enjoy are not free. They’re earned every day by those willing to serve,” said Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill. “In villages like ours, Veterans Day carries
an even deeper meaning. Here our veterans are not distant figures or names on a monument. They’re our neighbors, our friends, our family. They’re the people we see at the post office, at the Little League field, helping at the firehouse. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of Amityville.” O’Neill noted that the name of the day is sometimes written with apostrophes in different places, but officially it is Veterans Day — with no apostrophe. “Why? Because the day doesn’t belong to one veteran or even to a group of them,” he said. “It honors all veterans equally and collectively. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that this is a day of unity and shared gratitude.” “So as we reflect on Veter-
ans Day, let’s do more than just say thank you. Let’s show our gratitude through action — by supporting local veterans’ programs, listening to their stories, and making sure that no one who served ever feels forgotten,” O’Neill concluded. “To our veterans, we salute you, we thank you, and we’re proud to call you part of our community.” “Today, this commemoration takes on a renewed meaning and significance as we recognize, with deep gratitude, all of our veterans — those from every war and conflict, and all the men and women who have served this country to preserve our freedoms and safeguard our nation’s interests,” said the Rev. Father Dale W. Van Wormer of St. Mary’s Church in Amityville. Members of the Amityville
Police Department and the Amityville School District marching band participated in the ceremony, with the band performing a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.” Families also attended, including Jennifer and Justin Kennedy and their three children — Julia, Joe and Lila. Chuck Vinciulla, commander of the Sgt. John J. Kreyer VFW Post 7223 in Amityville, said any time the community comes together to recognize and thank veterans, their appreciation is
deeply felt. “Amityville is a very close community when it comes to its veterans. It has a strong history of people who have served, and all the veterans are happy and honored whenever they are recognized,” Vinciulla said. “And somehow, Amityville always is able to make it happen.” Amityville Village Trustee Owen Brooks shared a heartfelt story about his father and uncle, who both served in World War II. Both were in high school CONTINUED ON PAGE 6