Staten Island Honors Vietnam Veterans on 50th Anniversary

Hundreds gather for annual celebration to remember those who served and sacrificed

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary Vietnam War memorial statue or monument in a warm, sunlit urban setting, conveying a sense of reverence and reflection.The annual Staten Island ceremony serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans and the importance of honoring their service.Staten Island Today

Hundreds of Vietnam veterans and their supporters gathered in Staten Island, New York for the 18th annual celebration of Vietnam Veterans' Day at Tottenville High School. The event, hosted by State Senator Andrew J. Lanza, honored the bravery, determination, and strength of those who served in the Vietnam War, as well as those who never returned. The program included the Posting of the Colors, the National Anthem, an invocation, and remarks from elected officials and veterans.

Why it matters

The annual Vietnam Veterans' Day ceremony in Staten Island serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War, and the ongoing effort to ensure their legacy is preserved and their service is properly recognized. The event brings together the community to honor these veterans and provide a space for reflection and healing.

The details

The ceremony featured a traditional ceremonial flag-folding ceremony by the Tottenville High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, as well as musical performances and a video tribute to the 85 Staten Island residents who lost their lives in the war. Speakers at the event included State Senator Andrew J. Lanza, Assemblymember Michael Reilly, Gina Battista (principal of Tottenville High School), and Gene DiGiacomo (president of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 421).

  • The 18th annual Staten Island celebration honoring Vietnam Veterans took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The first Vietnam Veterans' Day ceremony in Staten Island was held on Sunday, March 29, 2009.

The players

State Senator Andrew J. Lanza

The host of the annual Vietnam Veterans' Day ceremony in Staten Island, who worked to make New York the first state to officially recognize the day.

Gina Battista

The principal of Tottenville High School, where the ceremony is held each year.

Gene DiGiacomo

The president of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 421, which participated in the ceremony.

Michael Brennan

An 84-year-old retired Supreme Court Judge and Vietnam War veteran who shared his experiences and perspective on how the treatment of veterans has changed over the years.

Mary LaManna McLoone

A Willowbrook resident and 2026 Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement who dedicated her life to the military and attended the event with her husband.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To every Vietnam veteran here today, whether you served in the jungles of Southeast Asia or supported the effort from home, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your enduring strength. Staten Island is proud to call so many of you our own. We will continue to stand with you, fight for the benefits and respect you deserve, and ensure your legacy is preserved for future generations. Welcome home, you are remembered, you are honored, and you are deeply appreciated.”

— State Senator Andrew J. Lanza

“Thanks to the continued support of Senator Andrew Lanza and Matthew Titone, this tradition remains strong at Tottenville High School. Our veterans return here not just for a ceremony, but for a community that honors them. The memorial outside our auditorium reminds our students every day why we gather to remember, to respect, and to carry their legacy forward.”

— Gina Battista, Principal of Tottenville High School

“We come here every year for the ceremony to honor the Vietnam veterans, especially those who didn't make it back. We honor our brothers and sisters who served.”

— Mary LaManna McLoone, 2026 Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement

“The Vietnam vets have changed that. We now no longer blame the warrior for the war; we honor the warrior. We tell them, 'Thank you for your service,' and we mean it. That's what's changed in how veterans are treated.”

— Michael Brennan, Retired Supreme Court Judge and Vietnam War veteran

“The guiding principle of the Vietnam Veterans of America is: 'Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.' We accept these kids now, no matter what their wars are or how many tours they serve. We don't blame them for the war. We welcome them with open arms, and we help them because we know what we went through. We don't want any other generation of veterans to go through what we experienced.”

— Michael Brennan, Retired Supreme Court Judge and Vietnam War veteran

The takeaway

The annual Vietnam Veterans' Day ceremony in Staten Island serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War, and the ongoing effort to ensure their legacy is preserved and their service is properly recognized. The event brings the community together to honor these veterans, provide a space for reflection and healing, and reaffirm the commitment to never abandon one generation of veterans for another.