This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who served our country with a powerful visual and personal tribute. More than 290 images submitted by readers showcase the faces and stories of local heroes — each one a testament to courage, sacrifice and service.

Among them is Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Petrides High School graduate who gave his life shielding a wounded Polish soldier in Afghanistan. His legacy lives on through a renamed street, a monument, and a Staten Island ferry bearing his name.

We also remember William A. Morris Jr., who served in Pearl Harbor and landed in Normandy on D-Day. His daughter shared his story, reminding us of the enduring strength of Staten Island’s military families.

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Veterans Day photo tribute II

Gertrude and Freddie Williams, both Navy veterans who met during WWII and were married for 51 years, represent the love and resilience forged in service.

Frank Sause, a Spanish American War veteran who loved life, his family and his country, is pictured in his uniform in 1898.

Former Staten Island Advance carrier Andrew Mazza, United States Air Force, of New Springville, was stationed at Shaw AFB from 2003-2007 and OIF Veteran-Balad Air Base Iraq in 2005.

Joseph N. Esposito (1938-2005), of Dongan Hills, served in the United States Army, 1958-1964, in Korea. He was a member of the United States Army Pacific Pistol Team who received 21 medals for his skills as a pistol and sharp shooter.

These are just a few of the hundreds of tributes submitted by Staten Islanders — each one deeply personal. Each one unforgettable.

Generative AI was used to organize reader submissions into this story. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff.

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