Museum of American Armor, Nassau County, WABC Observe WWII's End

The Museum of American Armor, Nassau County, and WABC will observe the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II on Saturday, August 29th at 11:30 a.m. with a live stream of vintage armor on parade, an interdenominational prayer service, taps, and reflections on the gift of freedom won 75 years ago.

The ceremony can be live streamed at 11:30 a.m., at www.abc7ny.com, ABC7NY's connected TV apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, and www.nassaucountyny.gov

Those joining the ceremonies include Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Nassau Legislature Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, U.S. Congressman Peter King, U.S. Congressman Thomas Suozzi, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker.

Among the World War II veterans attending will be Roslyn’s Gil Blum, 94, who platoon is credited with liberating the Nordhausen Concentration and Slave Labor Camps where Nazi Germany built and assembled the V-1 and V-2 rockets. Gil refused a Purple Heart decoration for a combat wound he received, stating he didn’t feel worthy of the medal after seeing the other severely wounded and maimed soldiers of his unit.

Clergy offering prayers include Father John McCartney, Pastor Bob Cederstrom, and Rabbi Harvey Abramowitz.

WABC’s series of apps allow New York to honor and reflect

Armor Museum president and founder, Lawrence Kadish, stated, “We cannot, and will not, allow this pandemic to prevent us from paying proper tribute to an entire generation that saved the world from a dark and murderous fate.

“Through the years WABC has served the entire New York – Long Island community, covering our celebrations and our challenges. Their decision to live stream this hour-long tribute underscores their appreciation of our veterans, the legacy of those who have defended our freedoms, and the importance of reflecting on the legacy of this important 75th anniversary.”

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is affording county residents the opportunity to watch the event live by accessing Nassau County’s website www.nassaucountyny.gov

Michael Sapraicone, a senior trustee of the Museum of American Armor, observed, “Our nation’s history is at risk of becoming a near afterthought in too many classrooms. County Executive Curran’s direct and personal support of this ceremony allows us to not only honor those who served seventy five years ago, but to educate a new generation of Americans who need to know of the sacrifices made on their behalf.”

A tank tribute on parade

To mark Imperial Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945 that ended World War II, Armor from both the Pacific and European theaters of operation will be in motion along with replica enemy armor to underscore the lethal threat faced by American G.I.s in liberating a world from tyranny.

The tribute program is being underwritten in part by Squad Security, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Polimeni International, Greenfield’s Shoprite, and PSEG.