Long Island gets the jump on celebrating Veterans Day

Frank Wolff got out of Nazi Germany as a teenager. Less than a decade later, Wolff, of Melville, landed on Omaha Beach, an American soldier risking his life against the regime that targeted him and his fellow Jewish people.

Wolff survived D-Day and returned stateside a war hero nearly 80 years ago.

With Veterans Day just a few days off, Wolff and other vets got an early start on festivities this weekend. Family and friends joined in with Wolff Sunday at his assisted living facility to celebrate his 100th birthday and remember his bravery so long ago. In Huntington Sunday, a ceremony honoring veterans included about 100 attendees at the town's Veterans Plaza, featuring a large American flag hoisted by the ladders of two fire trucks as a backdrop.

Fire trucks turned out for Wolff's celebration too. He may be turning 100, said Wolff, but he doesn't feel it.

"I feel like I’m 60," Wolff said Sunday, surrounded by three generations of descendants, well-wishers and a parade of Melville Fire Department trucks at Brandywine Living at Huntington Terrace. "I’m highly honored."

To reach the milestone, he first had to overcome steep odds that only improved after his war years.

In 1936, Wolff and his twin brother, Richard — sponsored by a great uncle — left Nazi Germany and moved to the United States. But when the war hit, the draft caught up with Wolff. Eventually he found himself neck-deep in the surf wading ashore at Omaha Beach for the decisive battle to defeat the Nazis.

An officer assured the troops that once off their landing crafts, the water would be shallow, Wolff said.

" 'Don’t worry, soldiers,' " Wolff said, recalling the officer's fateful words, " 'you’ll barely get your feet wet.' The next thing I knew … the water was over my head.' "

Wolff received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for the injuries he suffered in the war and heroism. He went on to attend Villanova University on the GI Bill where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He and his late wife, Joan, settled in Huntington and raised a family.

Surviving life in Nazi Germany and World War II made him unflappable, said his son, David Wolff.

"Based on his history, things don’t bother him," Wolff said of his father. "I don’t think there’s a person who disliked him in his whole life."

Another Long Island WWII vet, Bill Nacinovich, who turns 100 on Monday, celebrated the milestone this weekend. The Dix Hills resident was drafted into the U.S. Navy in the 1940s.

At the Huntington ceremony, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy said it’s veterans’ service that ensured the quality of life for families like his.

"Thank you for what my wife and I were able to do to raise four children," Kennedy said. "Thank you for the benefit of eight grandchildren that are here healthy and living free in these United States because of what you have done and because of what you continue to do."

William Ober, chairman of Huntington's Veterans Advisory Board and a Marine Corps vet, called on those at the ceremony to thank a veteran they know, or meet Thursday, for their service.

"Today, we are together to recognize the contributions made by so many of our veterans," Ober said.

Gary Steinmueller, commander of the Nathan Hale VFW #1469 in Huntington Station, was accompanied by his fiance, Filippa Pearl, and their three daughters between the ages of 6 and 9.

Steinmueller, 41, an Iraq War Navy veteran of Northport, said he appreciated the recognition.

"It's nice to remember the veterans and the sacrifices [made] between them and their families," Steinmueller said. "Once that's forgotten, America is not free anymore."