STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Local veterans joined Borough President Vito Fossella on Monday in New Brighton for the unveiling of a new flagpole at the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial, honoring 280 neighborhood service members who fought during the war.
The unveiling of the flagpole at the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial honors not only the neighborhood’s veterans, but also represents the freedom and democracy they defended. Community leaders said the monument — and now its flagpole — serves as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of service members, recognizing their importance not just on Staten Island, but across the country and the world.
During the ceremony, Borough President Vito Fossella expressed how the flagpole and newly raised Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag represent Staten Island’s ongoing commitment to honoring its veterans.
“Here on Staten Island, we always pay homage to those who serve,” he said. “We honor our veterans because without them, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy. Today, we say thank you to the veterans here, across Staten Island, and across the country by raising a new flag and flagpole in their honor.”
District Attorney Michael McMahon praised the veterans, saying, “In today’s world, everybody asks, ‘What’s in it for me?’ But think about the decisions these young people made. They only asked, ‘What is the right thing to do?’ For them, the right thing to do was to stand up for freedom and democracy.”
After the speeches, Fossella, McMahon, and Vice Commander Pablo Hidalgo helped raise the new flag on the recently installed flagpole, alongside the American flag, to officially dedicate the memorial.
Borough President Vito Fossella, Distrtict Attorney Michael Mcmahon, and Vice Commander Pablo Hidalgo raise American flag and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag at the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial on the new flagpole, honoring local service members who fought in World War II and beyond.Sydney Maldonado
Hidalgo said he initially reached out to Fossella and other local leaders about adding a flagpole to the Livingston WWII Veterans Memorial to honor those who served during World War II and beyond.
“I’m a veteran myself, a Marine, and now I look forward to coming by, seeing the flag, and saluting my comrades,” said Hidalgo.
Vice Commander Roy Wood thanked Fossella and McMahon for helping make the project a reality.
“This is a tribute not only for veterans, but for Americans and what we stand for,” Wood said.
The flagpole and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag now stand as a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of Staten Island’s veterans, honoring their service for generations to come. The monument, with its new addition, offers a place for the community to honor and reflect on the bravery of those who served.
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