As the country observes the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC has announced that the company will be honoring New York area veterans and those returned from active duty at events scheduled throughout the year at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport and the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
Among the honorees is Syosset resident Jake Dillon.
Long Island hosts one of the largest veteran’s populations in the U.S. with approximately 210,000 men and women living in the Nassau and Suffolk counties who have worn the uniform of the American military.
“Stop & Shop is proud to support our local communities around issues that are meaningful to them, to support the American Airpower Museum, which is a local treasure, and veterans of today and yesterday who continue to protect our freedoms,” said Arlene Putterman, manager of public and community Relations for Stop & Shop New York Metro division.
Stop & Shop will be among the sponsors supporting the arrival of the Thunderbirds aerobatic team scheduled to fly over Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend along with a squadron of World War II fighters and bombers including the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress.
In addition, Stop & Shop will be underwriting 70th anniversary programs at the Museum of American Armor on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration this spring that include a tribute to those who liberated the death camps of the Nazi Third Reich and Marines who stormed enemy held Pacific beaches.
A longtime supporter of the Museum of American Armor, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said the programs give Long Islanders a chance to honor true heroes.
“Stop & Shop’s sponsorship of these programs provides another opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes in our own families,” he said. “Their support helps ensure we all are afforded an opportunity to honor those who have risked their lives on behalf of our nation.”
New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine said the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the military need to be reognized by all citizens.
“We have learned through much heartache and sacrifice that democracies must be strong enough to defend the very principle of freedom,” he said. “These sponsorships by Stop & Shop are not only timely but crucial if we are to remain focused on what has been required to protect our nation.”
Jeff Clyman of the American Airpower Museum said: “We hope the families of every vet join us in tipping our hats to Stop & Shop for providing the financial resources needed to create the programs that publicly thank our military. These are the kind of efforts that remind all of us that whether it was 70 years ago or today, freedom demands courage, valor and sacrifice.”
