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The mood was high on this crisp autumn day, lifted by multiple awards presented to World War II veteran Alan Moskin, just named Rockland County Veteran Of The Year. The recipient is chosen by the Rockland County Veterans Coordinating Council.
Moskin served in the U.S. Army 1944-46. He was a member of the 66th infantry, 71st Division, part of General George Patton's 3rd Army. His company participated in the liberation of the Gunskirchen concentration camp. After the war, Moskin remained in Europe until June 1946 as a member of the U.S. Army's occupation forces.
The award recipient has done video recordings at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York and at the Holocaust Museum and Study Center in Spring Valley, where he is vice president on the board of trustees. He has participated in programs at West Point, at the German School in White Plains, on Russian television, and in classrooms.
In opening words, Rabbi David Berkman reminded the crowd we always must remember what our veterans have done and continue to do for the nation.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (Westchester/Rockland) thanked Moskin for his service overseas, but also for his contributions through the decades. She praised him for reviewing resumes that young men and women use to apply to the armed services.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day also showed his respect to Moskin, who is almost 90, saying "he is a genuine hero to this county and to this country."
Moskin read an anonymous poem that talked about how celebrities and politicians are laid in state or honored in highly public ways but how so many veterans die with little notice.
Rockland County Legislator Phillip Soskin, District 7, said Nov. 8 would forever in Rockland County be known at "Alan Moskin Day" He thanked him for his service "that is never ending."
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