That was how the event was billed as, but at the 9th Annual Throggs Neck Veterans Day Breakfast everyone found out that State Senator Jeff Klein would not be attending today's breakfast and Veterans parade due to the sudden loss of his mother Madeline the night before. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj stood in for Senator Klein doing a fine job as the host, but everyone felt the sorrowness that Assemblyman Gjonaj and others close to Senator Klein were feeling as the breakfast went on.
More than 300 veterans were treated to a complimentary hot breakfast before the 31st annual Throggs Neck Veterans’ Day Parade kicked off between East Tremont and Lafayette avenues. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj (standing in for Senator Klein) presented this year's grand marshal – Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Carter, a Tuskegee Airman who served in the military during WWII, Korea and Vietnam – with a proclamation honoring him for his service to this country. Honorary grand marshals Robert ‘Coz’ Eraneazio, Ray Karta, Maurice Powers, James Cerasoli, Cornelius Wallace, Robert Fritz, John Laguna and Angelo ‘Jerry’ Gerardi families also receive proclamations.
Above and Below - The New York City Transit Pipes and Drums played during the Presentation of the Colors
Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj stood in for State Senator Jeff Klein.
Below - Honoree 92 Year-old Veteran Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Carter a United States Air Force Tuskegee Airman was the Grand Marshal of the Throggs Neck Veteran's Day Parade that took place after the breakfast.
Above - Taps was played for the fallen soldiers of past wars.
Below - Local Veteran leader Pat Devine thanks everyone who came to the breakfast, and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who stood in for State Senator Jeff Klein in the senator's time of sorrow.
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