Bensonhurst-Area Councilmen Push For Parade For Veterans Of Iraq, Afghanistan

Bensonhurst-area City Councilman are all in support of a resolution from Flatbush Councilman Jumaane Williams urging the mayor to throw a ticker-tape parade for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan military conflicts.

Our sister site Sheepshead Bites queried most of Southern Brooklyn’s legislators to see where they stand on the effort, and they all stated support. For those in the Bensonhurst area, here’s what our reps had to say:

“I cannot think of a group that is more deserving of being honored with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes than the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Councilman David G. Greenfield. “We owe our freedom to these brave men and women and they deserve to be recognized and thanked for their service.”

Councilman Vincent J. Gentile, representing Bay Ridge and parts of Bensonhurst, also agreed with Williams – stating priorities must be changed. Gentile stated sports teams are honored at large every year, but veterans do not receive the welcome home they deserve.

“Are [veterans] not the real giants here?” said Gentile. “Not only is it the right thing to do and it’s the least we can do for these brave men and women to honor the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our freedom abroad.”

Domenic M. Recchia Jr., the councilman for Coney Island and Gravesend, stated he supported Councilman William’s proposition “100 percent.”

Ultimately, the decision to have a parade rests with Mayor Bloomberg, who is holding off at the request of the Pentagon, which said New York City should wait until all veterans have returned safely.