Forever Young Magazine

December 2006
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Section: Life & Leisure

Weinberg Honors Veterans

Brian Saviola, Dr. Irwin Arbesman and Rena Margulis, show their patriotic spirit during the indoor Veterans Day parade.

Weinberg Campus honored 78 veterans living on Campus, and scores of community Veterans, as well as spouses of Veterans at a standing-room only celebration on November 10.

The celebration kicked off in style with a visit by several of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcyclists who share a common respect for those who risk their lives to preserve freedom and security for all Americans. The Riders, decked out in patriotic gear, circled Campus waving and saluting veterans and their families.

Ralph Cramton, who lives in The Meadows on Weinberg Campus and is a veteran of the Army Heavy Automotive Maintenance (HAM) corps, joins a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.

An indoor parade, led by the color guard from American Legion Post George Lamm and VFW Post 416, snaked through Campus past hundreds of residents, tenants and community guests. All waved flags and clapped in support of the veterans who walked or rode, many wearing the hats signifying their branch of service.

After a moving rendition of the National Anthem, all of the Campus veterans, who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, in WWII and the Korean War, and on allied forces (Australia and Belgium), in combat or in support roles, were presented with recognition certificates. “What a nice program. I felt like a celebrity,” said Ralph Cramton.

Mr. Milton Hoffman, joined by his wife and son, participates in the Veterans Day parade.

Executive Chef, Charles Catlin, created flag decorated cookies and patriotic punch for a reception after the presentation of the awards. Rounding out the celebration, Tracy Kinn, State Veteran Counselor from the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs, provided valuable information on the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefit. This is an income-based benefit that can help fund home health care or care in some adult homes or assisted living facilities for Veterans and their spouses who need assistance with activities of daily living.

“We are proud of our veterans,” said David Dunkelman, President & CEO of Weinberg Campus. “They are part of a generation that not only won a war and ended a depression — they ushered in the longest period of prosperity our nation has ever known. They raised children and grandchildren, many of whom are still fighting for freedom today. What can we say, besides ‘thank you’?”