Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center), Councilman Tom Hand (third from right), and Massapequa Park Mayor Jeff Pravato (center left) designate a parking spot in Town lot M-9 in Massapequa specifically reserved for Combat Wounded Veterans. Supervisor Saladino, Councilman Hand, and Mayor Pravato were joined by Purple Heart Recipient Cpl. Jim McGunigle (bottom center), members of Rolling Thunder Chapter 6 of NY, as well as members of the Marine Corps League, Sunrise Detachment, some of whom are pictured here.

 

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Tom Hand, and Massapequa Park Mayor Jeff Pravato today announced the designation of parking spots in Town-owned parking lots specifically reserved for Combat Wounded Veterans.  The first lot to feature such a designation will be lot M-9, located on New York Avenue in Massapequa, adjacent to the Massapequa Chapter of the Marine Corps League, numerous local businesses and within walking distance of the Massapequa train station.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms and way of life.  Many veterans continue to struggle daily with injuries and the designation of special Combat Wounded Veteran Parking in Town lots is just one of many ways in which we can make their lives easier while recognizing their sacrifice and service for our nation.”

Reserved Combat Wounded Veteran parking spots are a symbolic gesture and currently designated in Town parks, with plans to expand this initiative across multiple Town lots, with this designation in Massapequa being the first step.  The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to assist veterans through the Division of Veterans Services.  The Town has been designated a “Purple Heart Town,” which recognizes the Town’s commitment to honoring veterans who have been wounded or have made the supreme sacrifice while in service to the nation.

“Statistics indicates that an estimated 1.8 million Americans are Purple Heart recipients – combat wounded service members who have transitioned back into civilian life,” Councilman Hand said. “Combat wounded warriors have made great sacrifices to ensure our freedoms but unfortunately, these sacrifices often go unrecognized.”

“The Town’s veterans deserve the continuing support of the entire community for the extraordinary sacrifices they’ve made to keep America the land of the free,” Mayor Pravato said. “These designated parking spots are just one small way we can give back to those who have given so much for all of us.”

For more information regarding the Town of Oyster Bay’s Division of Veterans Services call (516) 797-7875.