Raymond J. Cleaves American Legion Post in Mattituck held a Veterans Day service outside of its post this morning.
The ceremony featured a speech by United States Army Captain and Vietnam veteran John Ribeiro, who spoke to the crowd about the importance of Veterans Day.
“Today is akin to Memorial Day, but with one crucial difference. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day does not honor only those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but all veterans, living and dead,” Ribeiro said.
“We still mourn, honor and remember our sacred dead, and that is as it should be. But we must also honor the living who have served. We honor them all for what they’ve accomplished. We honor them all for what they may have endured, the sacrifices they made, and the duty they undertook with honor and fortitude.”
“This years remembrance has special historical significance, for this year, 2017, is the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into World War I,” Ribeiro reminded the crowd. “The American Legion rose from World War I.”
The post, named for World War I casualty Raymond J. Cleaves was formed in 1920 by Mattituck-area veterans of that war, just one year after the national organization was established.
The post is currently seeking new members, and had a sign-up sheet at the ceremony this morning. Veterans and the children of veterans are eligible for membership in the American Legion.
