More than 100 free Easter meals were handed out by veterans groups and Long Island Cares Thursday as a show of appreciation for America's heroes.
Vietnam veteran Ron Hildebrandt, of Hicksville, was overwhelmed by the gesture.
"It feels good to be welcomed home and thanked for service," he told News 12.
Hildebrandt was a specialist assigned to the 1st Aviation Brigade, aerial reconnaissance.
Long Island Cares designates every Tuesday as Military Appreciation Day at its food banks.