Pinecrest honors war veterans

Anaelys Bazan, Staff Writer

As the morning sun rises, Veteran’s Park fills with thankful citizens and humble war veterans for a well-deserved ceremony to show admiration for the war heroes bravery.

“I think it’s great that they’re doing this because people who served our country in the most courageous way deserve to know we are thankful to have them,’’ junior Tashiera Johnson said. “Some of them still have repercussions of their time as soldiers so they need to know that we are here for them and that we care.’’

As the speakers make their way to the podium to speak and back to their seats, Navy Veteran Horacio Martinez remains respectful to his fellow soldiers and moves his prosthetic leg frenetically in a supplication for silence.

“It’s really sad that some of these soldiers come home to use prosthetics the rest of their lives, but sometimes the emotional pain is worse than the missing body parts, those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder suffer the most,’’ Veteran’s Program Specialist estates, Nancy Auster said. “That’s why our work here is so important. A certificate cannot heal all their wounds but at least it lets them know we are grateful that they’re here with us.’’

The Veteran’s Program, in agreement with Pinecrest Village, has made an oath to honor those who fought for our country. Every November 11th at the eleventh hour in Pinecrest Veteran’s Park starting this year, there will be a ceremony held to commemorate.

‘‘It is a great initiative that the community is honoring them.” Pinecrest citizen, Donna Kyparisis said. “They all have amazing stories to tell and they deserved to be praised as the heroes they are.’’