The event began with a White Table Presentation by Dennis and Mary McLoone, which is a POW/MIA recognition ceremony. Speakers included BP Oddo, DA McMahon, Robert Mulhall, Veterans Court Mentor Coordinator, and Commissioner Loree Sutton of the NYC Department of Veterans Services.
“Understanding the reaction that you all got when you came back, it's even more incumbent upon us to honor you," noted BP Oddo, who also announced plans to host a Vietnam Veterans Forum in October.
“Welcome Home. Those were words you should have heard when you got back from answering the call of duty,” said DA McMahon.
Commissioner Sutton applauded the crowd, noting, “You all embody the spirit of Staten Island."
Following the speakers’ remarks, challenge coins were presented to all of the Veterans. Miss Staten Island 2017, Allison DeLuca, and Mary Mathieu performed musical selections at the event.
Over 200 Vietnam Veterans attended the breakfast.