On Saturday, May 28^th, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will be hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony at the VIAPORT Rotterdam Mall honoring five local veterans. 

NEW Additions to the Veterans Memorial to be unveiled during the event:

• Edward Villano - Edward Villano joined the U.S. Army on October 22nd, 1953 at the age of 17, serving as an Infantry Communications Specialist, 10th Special Forces Group and was honorably discharged on July, 26th 1956. Edward was a decorated soldier, recognized with a number of military awards and decorations, including a National Defense Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.

• Dominick Coppola – Dominick Edward Coppola enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to the northwestern part of America where he was trained and became a “Timberwolf” in the 104th Division. Dominick worked as an electrician for the General Electric Company. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

• Robert Becker – Robert Becker honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a supply chief and platoon sergeant in the Second Marine Division from 1960 until 1966. He then joined the USMC Reserve in 1966 and retired as a first sergeant in 1982. He served as the Grand Marshal of the Rotterdam Memorial Day Parade this year.

• Raymond Sarnacki – Raymond was drafted into the Navy during World War II where his first assignment brought him to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where the USS Enright was undergoing construction; Raymond became one of the ship’s “plank owners” and he served aboard the ship throughout the war and throughout his time in the Navy on the USS Enright, Raymond was on convoy duty, serving in the Mediterranean and the Pacific, including on Okinawa. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Raymond worked at both the American Locomotive Company and General Electric Company.

• Joseph Pierce – Joseph Pierce was a US Army scout in the Philippines during World War II. After surviving the 70-mile Battan Death March, Joseph was a prisoner of war for 38 months and received numerous commendations for his service to our country.

“Memorial Day is a time for us to come together and honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the principles that unite us as Americans. Having served in the nation’s armed services and a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I’m proud to host this ceremony that honors all of those, past and present, who have served our great nation.” 

WHO:​​Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, families, honorees, local veterans’ organizations

WHAT: ​​Memorial Day Ceremony

WHEN:​​Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: ​Via Port Rotterdam (near the fountain)

​​93 Campbell Road

​​Schenectady, NY 12306