Vanderbilt Museum photos
The Vanderbilt Museum welcomed as guests more than 250 veterans, active-duty service members and their families on Friday, November 10, and honored them with a flag ceremony in the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium. The event featured the color guard of the American Legion Post 1244 in Greenlawn and its American Legion Riders motorcycle group.
Local troops of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sea Cadets and Daisies lined the pathway to the Planetarium, waved small American flags, and thanked the veterans as they arrived.
Lance Reinheimer, executive director of the Vanderbilt, gave opening remarks and thanked the veterans before introducing several speakers, who also spoke about the nation’s gratitude to the millions who have served. Rev. Roy Grubbs, senior pastor of Centerport Methodist Church, gave the invocation. Speakers included Long Island Congressman Thomas Suozzi; Thomas Ronayne, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency; and Suffolk County Legislator William R. “Doc” Spencer.
The Huntington High School Chamber Ensemble performed, and the school’s choir led the singing of God Bless America. Following the ceremony, all guests were invited to see a new laser-light show, Laser Spirit, in the Planetarium, to enjoy free snacks and refreshments, and to tour the Vanderbilt Mansion and Museum.
The Veterans Day weekend celebration includes free admission and access to the Estate grounds, Museum and all exhibits for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members and their families through Sunday, November 12.
(Veterans’ proof of military service, or active-duty military ID required for complimentary guest admission.)
