‘They are not forgotten’: Vets honored at Riverhead Care Center ceremony

Eyes sparkled — and moistened — at rekindled memories yesterday at Riverhead Care Center, where U.S. military veterans were honored for their service in Veterans Day ceremonies conducted by Riverhead Town Councilman John Dunleavy and Veterans Advisory Committee co-chairperson Liz Stokes.

Twenty men, nearly all in wheelchairs, lined up on either side of a podium in the facility’s recreation room, where the councilman shook their hands and thanked them for their military service. Dunleavy and Stokes presented them with certificates of appreciation for their military service. Riverhead Care Center recreation director Kristin Abzug pinned ribbons to their chests.

Some men wore caps that announced which war they’d served in, what ship they served on or what medals they’d earned. Some wore decades-old uniform jackets draped across their shoulders. Those who were able eagerly told their stories to Dunleavy, a Navy veteran and American Legion member who serves as the town board’s liaison to the newly established veterans advisory committee.

Others, like Edward Lubbers, 87, a radio operator with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Germany from 1944 to 1946, have been forced by fate to keep their stories locked within.

Like all residents of the facility, the veterans live there because they can no longer take care of themselves, living with the physical and mental impairments caused by strokes, dementia or other medical conditions.

Some, like Stanley Mach, 93, of Aquebogue, have kept their faculties and humor intact.

“People ask me about the secret to my longevity,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “I tell them it’s clean living and martinis.” He paused. “Don’t necessarily believe the clean living part.”

The former Shelter Island resident reflected on his time in the U.S. Army Field Artillery during World War II. He served in Europe.

“D-Day, Utah Beach, Normandy, Battle of the Bulge…” he said, his voice drifting. He attained the rank of major.

“Here’s something ironic. I spent my time in the war pummeling targets in the artillery, blowing up bridges and railways and highways. How did I spend the rest of my life? Building bridges and highways,” Mach said, smiling. “Ironic, right?”

William Brooks, an ex-captain of the Riverhead Fire Department, proudly showed off a framed color photo of himself with his son, First Assistant Chief Kevin Brooks and grandsons, Capt. Jamie Brooks and firefighter Brian Brooks.

His fellow RFD vol, also an ex-captain of the Eagle Hose Co., Robert Bugdin sat smiling in the line a few feet away, as his wife Dottie helped care center staff serve cake and juice to veterans and other residents. Salvation Army soldiers and children were on hand to assist with the ceremonies and celebration.

“It’s very important for us to let these veterans know they are not forgotten, that we appreciate all they did to keep our country safe,” Dunleavy said.  The councilman, 73, is a veteran himself. He was a captain in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Essex.  He served from 1958 to 1962.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti