The New York District re-established a time honored
tradition by conducting the inaugural Veterans Day Commemorative Program in the
new “Hall of Honor Memorial Rotunda” at the landmark James A. Farley (JAF) Post
Office in Manhattan.
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| Postal Veterans gather around commemorative plaque at the inaugural "Hall of Honor Memorial Rotunda" ceremony in James A. Farley Post Office |
Congressman
Jose Serrano joined NY District Manager William J. Schnaars, Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown,
Bronx Postmaster Elvin Mercado, Mgr. of Maintenance James Hardy and Supv. Maintenance Omorede
Rainey in unveiling a new commemorative plaque honoring all Postal
Veterans - which will complement the beautiful bronze plaques already in place remembering Postal Veterans from World War I and II.
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| Congressman Jose Serrano with Maintenance Supv. Isaih Perry |
“This
inauguration establishes a proud tradition that will continue in the future,”
said Schnaars in front of a full house in the rotunda. “Our new Veterans
Memorial will be a powerful reminder to all who enter the Farley Post Office. Passersby will pause to remember the men and
women who selflessly served this country to protect freedom throughout the
world, as well as the families who wait here at home with grace, dignity and
hope.”
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| Veterans Mike Arribito and Diana Antonetty chat with Cong. Serrano at event |
“For
more than 237 years, the Postal Service has been one of the nation’s largest
employees of veterans,” stated Hardy. “Nearly 20 percent of our Postal work
force has worn their military uniform with pride. Right here in the New York
District, our veterans’ workforce is approximately 1,050 strong.”
Congressman
Serrano, who is also a U.S. Army veteran, said it was fitting that the Postal
Service commemorate Veterans Day in New York.
“The
U.S. Postal Service is a vibrant part of our community,” he said. “What better
place to honor the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces, than in
this magnificent historic Post Office.”
Mgr.
Business Mail Entry Percival Prince and Supervisor Lynne Watson-Miyamoto
delivered stirring renditions of the National Anthem and God Bless America
respectively. Mgr. Halbert Clark delivered both the Invocation and Benediction. Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and the Bronx VA Medical Center Outreach Program also attended.
The
Postal Veterans “Hall of Honor Memorial Rotunda” will be a permanent growing
exhibition. Future plans include mounting flags denoting every branch of
military service arranged in a dramatic circular pattern like the rotunda
itself, and installing display cases holding personal mementos donated by the
servicemen and women who are veterans.
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| Bronx VA Medical Outreach Supv. Lynn Johnson supplies informational brochures for veterans at event. |
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| Proud military veterans Mgr. Tony Torres, Supv. Deborah Hart |
IF YOU ARE A MILITARY VETERAN FIND OUT ABOUT ALL THE BENEFITS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO AT:
www.ebenefits.va.gov