East Meadow, NY - December 28, 2015 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Presiding Officer Norma L. Gonsalves, Legislator Don Mac Kenzie and Veterans Service Agency Director Ralph Esposito joined with World War II veterans in dedicating a new Battle of the Bulge Monument in Eisenhower Park’s Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.
“We honor the brave servicemen of the United States Armed Forces who served in the infamous Battle of the Bulge - the fiercest battle the American Army ever fought - that began in December 1944 and lasted 6 weeks. Nineteen thousand brave servicemen made the supreme sacrifice for our nation, and it is estimated 90,000 were either wounded or captured by the German Army,” stated County Executive Mangano. “I thank the Long Island Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge for their service to our nation and for raising the private donations for this new monument in Eisenhower Park.”
The monument was purchased by the Veterans of The Battle of the Bulge-Long Island Chapter. The battle was fought from December 16, 1944 through January 25, 1945. Of Long Island’s 33 Battle of the Bulge members, 11 of the veterans attended the ceremony. Those in attendance included William Mueller, Commander of the Long Island Chapter; David Marshall, President of the Long Island Chapter; and members Ret. Colonel Robert Scatz, Felix Iannacone, Charles Avella, William Burke, Ralph Carl, Conrad Cardiello, Joseph Kagan, Harold Hoffman, and Irving Greger.
“As we stand together today, December 23, 2015, we dedicate this monument and thank all of the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, those veterans gathered with us here today, and especially those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, to protect our freedom and our American way of life,” stated County Executive Mangano.