Bernard Fineson members observe true meaning of Veterans’ Day

By DEBORAH A. MILES
Veterans’ Day at the Bernard Fineson Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) was one filled with emotion, appreciation and respect.

November 9 was the day set aside to honor the 21 veterans who work at the Queens facility. PEF Division 207 Council Leader Elizabeth Cheese invited PEF and Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) veterans to the ceremony to “show honor and respect for all veterans for going to war, coming home, and allowing us freedom.”

Cheese said the ceremony has become an annual event that started in 1991. It included prayers, poetry, a DVD presentation of the national anthem with moving images, and a heartfelt presentation by Norman Light, chair of the PEF Region 11 Veterans’ Committee.

“Too often, we view this holiday as a day to go shopping, rather than remembering and honoring those who gave their lives or a part of their life to serving in the armed forces,” Light said. “We shouldn’t forget the true meaning of this day and I thank all the veterans at Bernard Fineson for their service.”

“There were people at the ceremony who served stateside as well as veterans from other wars,” said Jemma Marie-Hanson, PEF Region 11 coordinator.

“It’s important for us as public employees to remember the importance of giving homage to our veterans, past and present. They are the backbone of the United States, and they help us to live in peace stateside,” Marie-Hanson said.

“We have this annual tribute because we care about our veterans and we love them,” Cheese said.
 

The Communicator Dec.06/Jan.07

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Clarification: A photo caption in the November issue of The Communicator should have said PEF Vice President Pat Baker and Regional Coordinators Dee Dodson, Vernetta Chesimard and Jemma Marie-Hanson coordinated the PEF Sept. 11 memorial service in New York City.