Veterans Remembered Throughout Queens

The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn. Known from 1919 to 1953 as Armistice Day, and since 1954 as Veterans’ Day, November 11 is the day for honoring the brave men and women who have defended this nation in past and present conflicts.

It is a holiday celebrated around the world, for November 11 marks the signing of the German Armistice, which ended the “War to End All Wars”. It is also a day of remembrance in every town from Whitestone to the Rockaways and from Little Neck to Long Island City.

Like many municipalities across the country, Queens is no stranger to the sacrifices of war. The youth of this area have been answering the call of duty since 1776, beginning with the Battle of Brooklyn. It was the largest conflict of the American Revolutionary War with Queens held under British occupation until British troops were evacuated from Jamaica in 1783. Men from Queens fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. Flushing sent its bravest sons to battle in the War Between the States in 1861. Twenty-one young men, part of the Flushing Battery of the Hamilton Light Artillery, lost their lives over a four-year period from wounds inflicted by both weapons and disease. The Spanish-American War in 1898 contributed its share of veterans who had called Queens their home.

The borough saw its largest contribution of soldiers during World War I, 1917 to 1918, and World War II, 1941 to 1945.

During World War II, 60 percent of Queens College students enlisted or were called to duty (942 out of a class of 1,600) in 1941. Founded in 1937, the college graduated its first class the same year that this nation was drawn into the conflict. Arnold Franco, class of 1943, served with the 3rd Radio Mobile Squadron, an elite group of code breakers. In a 2005 ceremony in Paris, the French government gave him its highest award, the Legion of Honor. In all, 59 students from the college’s first five classes died in World War II, the majority in their early 20s or younger.

More wars would follow; Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The majority of Queens’ older veterans are gone now, and the chance to hear their experiences, triumphs and lessons is growing smaller with each passing Veterans’ Day. An enduring tradition in which civilians and veterans in Queens honor those who have served is through the erection of war memorials. According to the city Department of Parks and Recreation, there are more than 50 monuments across Queens that serve as daily reminders of the sacrifices Queens veterans have made to preserve freedom and fight tyranny around the world. Another, to be built in Elmhurst, is tentatively being planned by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Queens chapter.