[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 84 (Monday, June 18, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING VETERANS FROM NASSAU COUNTY'S UNITED VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2001

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of four 
veterans from Nassau County's United Veterans Organization (UVO)--Joe 
Librizzi from Oceanside, Pat Cassetta from Uniondale, Bernie Flatow 
from West Hempstead and Sal Brandino from Rockville Centre--as June 
Citizens of the Month for the flag education program.
  In December of 1997, the UVO came up with a brilliant idea of a flag 
education program for Nassau County schools and students. This program 
was designed to teach elementary students proper flag etiquette and 
respect.
  Too often our students aren't exposed to the knowledge and the 
history our veterans possess. With this program students can learn 
about our nation's history from those who lived it. At the same time, 
the students learn about America's most important symbol from those who 
fought for our country.
  The veterans began to put their idea into a plan by sending letters 
of introduction and explanation to 56 school superintendents in Nassau 
County. In early 1998, the team consisting of Librizzi, Cassetta, 
Flatow and Brandino began their presentations and as they say, ``The 
rest is history.'' In the first year of presentations, they visited 29 
schools and reached about 12,000 students. During the 2000/2001 school 
year, the vets predict they will reach 39 schools this year, bringing 
their three-year total to 40,000 students.
  Thousands of letters from students, teachers and administrators give 
testimony to the fact the vets achieved their goal--fostering respect 
for the American flag. The vets committee have also been honored by the 
U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard attending many of their presentations.
  These veterans saw a void in education, and stepped in to help out. 
We should all be like these veterans--they're still giving back to 
their community and shaping their country's future.
  Thank you, and congratulations.

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