Queens leaders honor local veterans Tuesday

A veteran stands before the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst. Eagle file photo by Walter Karling

By Rachel Vick

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Acting Borough President Sharon Lee will co-host a Veterans Day Observance Ceremony Tuesday to honor the Americans who have served in the armed forces. 

Queens is home to more veterans than any other borough in New York.

“As we look toward the future of our nation, we must never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans - and their families - for our country's freedoms,” Katz tweeted Nov. 4.

The event will specifically honor a handful of Queens natives, including Specialist Detrel Howell, who served in the Gulf War; Sergeant Gerard Opitz, who served in World War II; Sergeant Lee Blackmon, who served in the Vietnam War; and Coast Guard Investigator Special Agent John Keeley.

New York City Department of Veterans Services Commissioner James Hendon will address the attendees.
The virtual event starts at 6 p.m. and registration is available online.