WATCH: Port Washington Gives Heartfelt Thanks On Veterans Day

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — More than 100 people gathered Wednesday in Port Washington for a masked, socially-distanced service to mark Veterans Day, as leaders from local veterans groups thanked those who served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Neighbors lined Main Street cheering and clapping for local veterans who rode in cars, trucks and SUVs from Campus Drive to Sunset Park. The group of about 50 veterans included men and women who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War.

Leaders from local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819 chapters spoke at a service that began around 11 a.m. The service included a bell-ringing ceremony and performances by the Nassau County Firefighter's Pipes and Drums Band.

John Fiore, commander of Veterans of Foreign War Post 1819, took a moment to thank health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Not for one minute would I forget what I'm looking out there and seeing: our fire departments, our police, our first responders, doctors, nurses. Fifty years and plus ago, we were your heroes. And today, I'm proud to say, you're all mine. And I'm sure all my comrades agree," Fiore said to applause.

He also thanked America's veterans who selflessly placed their lives at risk to serve in war and defend democracy and freedom.

"Those men and women were ordinary people until they heard the call of duty — and answered it," he said. "They left their families, their homes, their lives, not for recognition or fame, or even the honor we bestow upon them today. They fought to protect our country, to maintain our way of life."

Below are photos from the service. Click here to watch Port Washington Patch's livestream of the event.