SHARE

Pelham Reflects on Veterans Day, Praises Soldiers

PELHAM, N.Y. – Pelham Pizza Manager Jim Mitrione is not a military veteran but he does know several and feels they should be honored with Veterans Day on Friday.

“I support them whole heartedly,” Mitrione said. “They made many mental and physical sacrifices.”

Mitrione thanked the veterans for their service and remarked how difficult it must have been for them to be apart from their families for so long.

“It’s a big emotional transition,” Mitrione said.

Mitrione said Vietnam veterans in particular should be honored because of the poor way they were treated when they returned home from battle.

Ernestine O’Donnell, whose husband, Vincent, was a medic in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972, also said veterans of that war should receive recognition and honor because of what happened to them when they came back to the United States.

“We lost a lot of boys, a lot of men for that war,” O’Donnell said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t get what they deserved.”

O’Donnell, a native of the Bronx, married her husband, also a New York City native, mere months after he returned home from the war in 1972. She said her husband and all other veterans deserve a day of recognition but should also receive praise year-round for their service.

“I’m proud of any veteran that’s been in any war. They all deserve the best,” O’Donnell said.

Richard Lamb posted on The Daily Pelham’s Facebook page about the history behind Veterans Day and its significance around the world. He, too, praised the soldiers both past and present.

“It is a day to thank all U.S. veterans and also active duty personnel for their service,” Lamb said.

What are your reflections this Veterans Day? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DailyPelham. Contact Pelham reporter Andrew Meola at ameola@thedailypelham.com.

to follow Daily Voice Pelham and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE