__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Several injured in multicar crash
New leadership at SMCCA
A new song, just for moms
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Vol. 26 No. 23
$1.00 $1.00
JUNE 1 - 7, 2023
Covid past its height, but vets still need help attendance down — a lot of these guys, and I understand, they’re in their 80s, 90s.” of the Merrick Herald The pandemic, Glick added, As the nation and world turn has contributed to veterans losthe corner on what was one of ing touch with one another. the deadliest global pandemics to “Covid did take a toll on us,” d a t e, o n e t h i n g he said. “Even when hasn’t changed: we had the Zooms, Many U.S. veterans the older guys — continue to need they won’t do it. support, whether They lose touch with with food, housing, e a c h o t h e r, a n d mental health serthat’s another bad vices, or other needs. thing. The veterans Gary Glick, the are my brothers. We commander of the treat each other as Department of New family.” York of the Jewish The loss of memWar Veterans — bers takes a considwhich operates the erable toll on posts local Post 652, servthat are already ing Bellmore, Merstrapped for attendrick, East Meadow RAlph ees. Frank Salamino, and several surthe quartermaster ESpoSIto rounding communifor the Veterans of ties — said he feels Director, Nassau Foreign Wars Post the ef fect of the County Veterans 2736 in East Meadow, Covid-19 pandemic Service Agency is constantly looking on veterans mirrors for new members, its powerful impact and the pandemic on people in general. hasn’t helped. Two Post 2736 “Covid, I think, did a job on members died of Covid. society itself,” Glick said. “It has “We need every member people thinking. I would say when we can,” Salamino said. “It there could be like a half-dozen was a big loss when they died.” (veterans) that didn’t come back (in person). It has dropped the Continued on page 11
By MAlloRY WIlSoN & JoRDAN VAlloNE
W
e had a lot of posts, a lot of legions that weren’t able to sustain their membership.
Merrick remembers American heroes on Memorial Day The Merrick community remembered members of the U.S. military who died while protecting their country at the annual Memorial Day parade, hosted by the American Legion Post 1282. The parade route stretched from South to North Merrick, and hundreds lined Merrick Avenue to cheer for the marchers. The Stadryck family, above, made memories during the parade, snapping a selfie. Edward Moore, a member of Post 1282, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at a short ceremony in North Merrick following the parade. Story, more photos, Page 3. — Jordan Vallone Elisabeth Cody/Herald photos