Long Islanders braved the rain to salute service members at a Veterans Day ceremony in New Hyde Park.

Veterans from World War II to the war on terror were at the event with their families, saying they are grateful for the recognition.

Brookville veteran Frank Miritello, now 101, attended the event. He served in the U.S. Army in Africa and Italy during WWII.

"I was in counterintelligence corps catching spies," Miritello says

Vietnam veteran Martin Cernese says he was touched by the respect from the community.

"I think it's tremendous," Cernese says. "I mean, back when we got out in the 1960s, we weren't treated too kindly so it's nice to be remembered more favorably and I think ceremonies like this are terrific."

Many parents also brought their children in hopes of teaching them the importance of honoring service members every day.

"I think it's important for them to know what sacrifice looks like and what hard work and dedication to your country is," says Sherry Blattner of New Hyde Park.

The New Hyde Park mayor says the village will host other veteran events, including the premiere of a locally-produced documentary about homeless veterans.