Smithtown Honors Those Who Serve on Veterans Day

Smithtown elected officials and residents gathered to honor those who have served our national on Monday morning. 

Smithtown VFW Post 10870 and Smithtown American Legion Post 833 hosted the Town of Smithtown's 2013 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Main Street memorial plaza at 10:45 a.m Monday. 

The ceremony paid tribute to both those who are overseas serving our nation, those at home and those veterans who have served in the past. Elected officials including state Sen. John Flanagan, R-Smithtown; state Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick, R-St. James; and Suffolk Legis. John Kennedy, R-Nesconset, appeared to offered their thanks to the town's servicemen and women. 

Ira Schwartz, commander of Smithtown American Legion Post 833, gave his thanks to others in perhaps the quickest and most succinct way. 

"We say thank you for what you've done for all of us, to allow us to live safely with our families in the freest, best country anywhere on the globe. We salute you, we say thank you," Fitzpatrick said. " Ladies and gentlemen, when you see a veteran anywhere for the rest of the year, stop and say, 'Hi and thank you'." 

Kennedy reminded residents to recognize the sacrifice the servicemen and servicewomen have given by putting on the uniform. 

Hauppauge High School's Chamber Choir and Smithtown High School West's Brass Band performed patriotic tunes including the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Johnny Comes Marching Home.' 

Click through the photo gallery above for photos from the 2013 Smithtown Veterans Day Ceremony.