Veterans Hall of Honor Posthumously Recognizes Robert Rudkin

Fourteen local veterans were honored for their service and sacrifice to the United States, including a posthumous honor for Mr. Robert Rudkin of Garden City.

Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, R,C,I, East Meadow, paid tribute to these veterans during his Veterans Hall of Honor ceremony at Williston Park American Legion Post 144.

“We owe the brave veterans of the United States Armed Forces a huge debt of gratitude for the sacrifices that they have made to secure the liberties that we enjoy today,” McKevitt said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to honor each and every one of these incredible individuals."

At the ceremony, Garden City American Legion Post No. 265 commander Ed Brown accepted the award in Mr. Rudkin's honor. Mr. Rudkin was awarded the Purple Heart, along with other medals.

Mr. Rudkin, a fighter pilot during World War II, was shot down over Germany and captured by German farmers. He became a POW who was later released as the war came to a close in 1945.

Mr. Rudkin, upon returning to the U.S., was reunited with his family and spent time in a military hospital.

For American Legion Post 265, he served as past commander, vice commander and treasurer, was a member of the Scholarship Committee, visited veterans in Northport at the VA Hospital and more.

Mr. Rudkin was also recently honored by the village of Garden City when he received a citation from mayor Don Brudie days before his passing.