While Memorial Day honors those who have perished while serving their country in the armed forces, Veterans Day (which is this Tuesday, Nov. 11) honors all veterans including, maybe most importantly, those who are still with us and around to appreciate the acknowledgment.
There are just over 81,000 military veterans on Long Island, according to 2023 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, with 50,000 of them in Suffolk County alone. Long Island is home to thousands of veterans — each with their own story, their own strength and, sometimes, their own struggles.
So, while you’re heading into another fabulous Hamptons weekend, don’t forget to thank a vet. They’re a big part of the reason we’re all here in the first place.
Here’s a snippet on how to observe Veterans Day near you:
Southampton Town
This Saturday, Nov. 8, the Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-0967) will honor three generations of local veterans by hearing and showcasing their respective stories. From 3 to 5 p.m., three short films will be shown from the USA Warrior Stories Archive, a not-for-profit organization designed to record, preserve and share videos of veteran stories online to help make a connection with one another and to help us better understand their sacrifices for our freedom. Saturday’s event will be highlighting Angelique Williams (Navy 1997-2014), Ed German (USMC 1967-70) and Martin Sylvester (Army 1943-45). Following the films, a Q&A moderated by USA Warrior Stories founder Matt Hindra, along with Nick Kraus, will happen with Williams, German and Sylvester’s son, Paul.
“We are so thrilled to be working with USA Warrior Stories to honor the many who so faithfully served our country,” says SAC executive director Christina Strassfield. “This event is open to all and we encourage the community to join us to celebrate all those who served.”
Also in Southampton, the Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events hosts a Veterans Day ceremony and parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11. All those interested in marching should meet at the First Presbyterian Church (2 South Main St.) parking lot at 10:45 a.m., as the parade is slated to start at 11. There’ll also be cars available to help transport those who cannot march. The parade will proceed down Jobs Lane, ending at Agawam Park. At the park, there’ll be a ceremony featuring guest speaker and former U.S. Army nurse veteran Joan A. Furey. Afterward, all are welcome for refreshments at Veterans Memorial Hall, located next door to the park, at 29 Pond Lane.
Additionally, Among the participants, Unit 388 Auxiliary member. Cathy Santacroce Worwetz will share stories of both of her parents, Frank and Anne Santacroce, who both served in WWII.
Also inside the Veterans Memorial Hall, beginning at noon, the Southampton History Museum hosts “Voices of Valor: Stories from the Next Generation,” where descendants of Southampton’s WWII servicemen and women will share personal stories and memories, honoring the courage and sacrifice of nearly a whole generation. Among the participants will be Sag Harbor’s Chelberg & Battle American Legion Unit 388 Auxiliary member Cathy Santacroce Worwetz, whose parents, Frank and Anne Santacroce, served in WWII. Free to attend.
Additionally, the hall will be showcasing a special display honoring the men and women who have served our nation. “Artifacts of Honor” showcases a collection of military memorabilia, personal items, and literature that tell the stories of local veterans and the broader history of American service. From uniforms and medals to letters and photographs, these objects preserve the legacy of sacrifice, courage and duty across generations. The exhibit will be on view Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of this month.
Bridgehampton
There’s a meet and greet with veterans supported by the elementary student council in the Bridgehampton School District on Monday, Nov. 10, at 12:30 p.m. At 12:45, a Veterans Day tribute and jazz band performance is slated for inside the school’s auditorium.
Sag Harbor
Sag Harbor’s annual Veterans Day observance will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, with a short parade beginning at the Civil War monument on the corner of Main and Madison streets at 10 a.m., and ending at the American Legion (located at 26 Bay St.). The American Legion’s Women’s Auxiliary will serve light refreshments following the service. Veterans who would like to participate should meet at the legion at 9:30 a.m.
East Hampton Town
Montauk School (50 S. Dorset DrIve) invites all who’ve served to their Veterans Day assembly on Monday, Nov. 10. Students and staff will be offering a morning of gratitude, reflection and celebration. Starts at 8:30 a.m. at Montauk School gym. All veterans, active-duty service members and their families are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.The same sort of thing is happening in Springs, as the hamlet’s school (48 School St.) invites all veterans to be honored on Monday beginning at 8:20 a.m. in the gym. Also on Monday, Amagansett School (320 Main St.) will host a luncheon at 12:15 p.m. followed by a ceremony in the gym at 1 p.m.
The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation will honor local veterans at its annual flag ceremony set for Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. Located at 240 Edgemere St. in Montauk, the ceremony will be at the Suzanna Koch Gosman Flagpole Garden and will include a raising of the flag and a wreath laying ceremony by local scouts. There’ll also be music and light refreshments served. Will take place rain or shine.
Shelter Island
The annual ceremony to honor veterans of Shelter Island will start at 11 a.m. where veterans, their loved ones and all who wish to honor and thank a vet will gather at Mitchell Post 281 (1 Bateman Road). There’s a 50/50 raffle with an up to $50,000 prize that’s set to help the island’s American Legion raise funds to renovate the onsite kitchen, women’s restroom, bowling alley, repair the entrance stairway and fix the flooring and bar area. Tickets are $100. The drawing for a winner will happen later that evening at the Veterans Day dinner at Mitchell Post starting at 4:30 p.m. Call 631-749-1180 for more information.
