Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a time for recognizing and honoring the service of all United States veterans, both living and dead.
Originally called Armistice Day, the nationally observed holiday “began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service,” according to Military.com. “It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the singing of the armistice that ended World War I.”
The name change became official back in 1954 as a way to emphasize that the holiday was intended to recognize all American veterans of all wars. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau notes there are about 53,500 veterans living in Suffolk County. If you’re lucky enough to know one personally, make sure to say thank you.
Here’s how the South Fork is celebrating local veterans (both those who have passed and those who are still with us) over the next few days.
Southampton Town
Vietnam War veteran and East End realist painter John Melillo will be at Southampton Arts Center for an artist talk, “John Melillo’s East End Perspective” this Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. In general, the Eastport resident’s paintings are predominantly oil paints on canvas with subject matters comprised of landscapes and seascapes of the East End, portraits and still life as well as his interpretations of photographs he took while he was stationed in Vietnam.
A disabled vet, Melillo has been battling PTSD for decades, but has ultimately found substantial therapeutic benefits from painting. Saturday’s talk (free or charge and open to the public) will showcase his art journey and progression of healing as an artist. Southampton Arts Center will donate 50% of proceeds from art sales from this event to the World War I Restoration Project in Agawam Park just down the street. For more information, click here.
A short parade honoring veterans is on Monday beginning after 10:30 a.m. in downtown Southampton. All veterans are invited to participate, with the march kicking off at First Presbyterian Church (located at 2 Main St.), continuing down Jobs Lane and ending at Agawam Park. Once there, the Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events will then hold a ceremony with former army tank platoon leader and military intelligence officer Tim Hendricks. All are invited to the Veterans Memorial Hall (29 Pond Lane) after the service for refreshments.
East Hampton Town
East Hampton American Legion Post 419 invites all veterans to march in a small parade at 10 a.m. on Monday. Lineup is at 9:45 a.m. between Citarella and London Jewelers on Main Street. The parade will proceed to the green at Hook Mill, just down the road, followed by a brief ceremony. A barbecue lunch will be served at the Legion (located at 15 Montauk Highway in Amagansett, across the street from Brent’s).
Shelter Island Town
On Monday, Nov. 11, American Legion Auxiliary Mitchell Unit 281 will hold a flag ceremony headed by post commander Michael Mundy at 11 a.m. in front of the Legion Hall. Immediately following, the Shelter Island School Choir will perform the national anthem.
Later that day, there will be a Veteran’s Day Dinner of pulled pork, pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and myriad sweet treats, as well as a cash bar, at the Legion from 5 to 7 p.m.. Ticket are $20 (although limited to 100 seats total) — email [email protected] to get yours. Note there is also a raffle to win the handmade poppy quilt stitched by the Shelter Island Quilters, who donated the stunning 68″ x 57″ piece in white and red to the organization. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Shelter Island Ace Hardware store. Drawing occurs at the dinner Nov. 11.
