State Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-C, Syosset) announced on March 16, that the Senate passed his legislation providing for the display of the POW/MIA Flag at all state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities.

The passage couldn't have been more timely. The Senate also passed other legislation to help veterans including requiring colleges and state universities to play the national anthem and recite the pledge of allegiance at all graduation ceremonies to symbolize the patriotism of the college and graduating class.

They are especially fitting as the country's fighting forces work to help the people of Kosovo.

"Thousands of men and women who served this country and who made the supreme sacrifice of placing themselves in harm's way, so that we may enjoy our freedom, still remain missing and unaccounted for," Senator Marcellino said.

"The POW/MIA flag keeps the memory alive of those who met an uncertain fate while defending our country."

This legislation requires that the POW/MIA flag be flown in company with the American flag at state facilities. The POW/MIA flag was created in 1971 at the request of the wife of a soldier who was missing in action in Vietnam.

The POW/MIA Flag legislation was passed with a package of bills designed to provide veterans with additional education and tax benefits, and otherwise recognize their efforts over the years in New York State. Senate action coincided with the American Legion Legislative Day at the Capitol.

In addition to the POW/MIA Flag bill, (S.831), the Senate passed legislation which would:

* Credit military experience and educational training toward licensing requirements for positions such as registered nurses, physical therapists and X-ray technicians. (S.1250, Senator Meier.)

* Consolidate wartime dates into one section of law to ensure that veterans receive their well-deserved benefits. (S.1910, Senator Meier.)

* Make distance learning courses, approved by the New York State Board of Regents, available under the Vietnam Veterans Tuition Award Program (S.175, Senator Larkin.)

* Ensure that veterans who served overseas and faced armed opposition during peace time, are eligible to receive the alternative veterans' real property tax exemption. (S.557, Senator Fuschillo)

* Provide that a veteran who was "killed in action" be eligible for the state's Conspicuous Service Cross Award. (S.3044, Senator Kuhn.)

* Designate September 11 as "Battle of Plattsburgh Day" in commemoration of the decisive naval victory on Lake Champlain that led to America's victory in the War of 1812. (S. 1849, Senator Stafford.)

* Require colleges and state universities to play the national anthem and recite the pledge of allegiance at all graduation ceremonies to symbolize the patriotism of the college and graduating class. (S. 2399, Senator Johnson.)

"We owe a great debt of gratitude to the soldiers and their families for whom the tragedy of war knows no end," said Senator Marcellino. "It is fitting and proper that the New York State Senate should recognize and honor our veterans by adopting these worthy measures."

Besides the timely legislation the senator is responsible for, local residents will be watching the conflict as the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier is the lead vessel in bringing planes to the effort.

The people of Oyster Bay will be watching the developments with a special concern since they were involved in the commissioning of the USS TR., making it a comfortable home for the sailors and marines who live aboard the ship. They provided the museum with artifacts of the President and the chapel for the ship.

It does show in a special way how interconnected we are and how important the little things people do can have a large effect on others. In this case, helping our service men and women.

- DFK