Residents of Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation filled the common room of the facility on Thursday afternoon, November 10, for a memorable ceremony paying tribute to service members within its resident population. The program included an array of energetic tunes, including the American and Israeli national anthems, starring the The Melodians, an all-senior chorus which performs at venues throughout Queens. The veteran residents, who each had the opportunity to announce where they served, sat in a reserved section at the front of the program. Of note was Chana Pfeifen, a Holocaust survivor who spent time in the Israel Air Force. “You did a marvelous job,” the able-bodied resident publicly declared to the staff, adding on behalf of her friends, “There are no words to describe our appreciation for making an event like this possible for us. Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts.” Others served in the British Army, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Army. Each received a commemorative flag and a New York City Hall Citation presented by Adam Suionov, District Director, on behalf of Council Member James F. Gennaro who recently announced his candidacy for reelection in 2023.
Gennaro set the record for these former service members, stating, “A great city is only as great as those persons who give exemplary service to their communities, whether through unique personal achievements and their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of philanthropy and community service, and such service, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded.”
Special acknowledgement is extended to Ricardo, the resident deejay, for bringing a festive ambiance, and Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs, who stated, “We thank the veterans who are each special and are happy to recognize you today. During their time of service, each veteran had a different manner in putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
Dressed in uniform, Sgt. Lee, who has resided at the facility for a few months and this past week returned home, took to the podium, and wished the Marine Corp. a happy birthday, its 247th. Lee, a Veteran Hall of Fame recipient and by far the youngest in the room, praised the residents for their independence. “The seniors here work like soldiers. The therapists come upstairs to get you, and sometimes I want to find a reason not to attend therapy that day. But I see that most of the residents take themselves downstairs for therapy and not wait on staff to bring them.” He acknowledged the facility for arranging such a lavish program and spoke of the women soldiers, a rarity. Emotional and at a loss for words, the wounded Vietnam veteran with a chest full of accolades including a purple heart said, “This residence has motivated me,” pointing toward the crowd.
It is the veteran, not the preacher who gave us freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the reporter who gave us freedom of press.
It is the veteran, not the poet who gave us freedom of speech.
It is the veteran, not the organizer who gave us freedom to assemble.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer who gave us freedom to a fair trial.
It is the veteran, not the politician who gave us the right to vote.
It is the veteran who salutes the flag, who served under the flag, who gave their oath to support and defend the Constitution and other nations against all enemies foreign and domestic, and whose office is draped by the flag.
It is the veteran whose faith in G-d and country has given us all our freedom. May they have eternal rest.
By Shabsie Saphirstein