LI Marine still with family in spirit for holiday tradition

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have meant empty seats for Christmas, but soldiers were still on the Island in spirit for the holiday.The Mitterando family held its annual Christmas breakfast Tuesday

News 12 Staff

Dec 25, 2007, 11:21 PM

Updated 6,380 days ago

Share:

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have meant empty seats for Christmas, but soldiers were still on the Island in spirit for the holiday.The Mitterando family held its annual Christmas breakfast Tuesday in Mastic Beach. Among the traditions are giant sandwiches, singing and everyone coming in their pajamas.Missing from the breakfast, however, was Robert Mitterando III. The oldest grandchild, he is a Marine serving his second tour in Iraq on the Syrian border. The William Floyd High School graduate's father was a Marine and so is his wife. His brother also knows what it's like to be overseas for Christmas, as he was with the Army in Baghdad.The Marine was able to call his family Tuesday to say how much he loves them and to send greetings for Christmas and the new year.His grandmother said she has one wish for Christmas; that all of the men and women fighting for the United States remain safe.