Nearly 200 people gathered on Vinnie’s Island Nov. 9 to honor Vincent “Vinnie” Martinez Sr. for his 40 years of service beautifying Glen Cove.
The dedication ceremony, organized by Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 and the Tribute and Honor Foundation, took place during Veterans Day weekend in collaboration with the City of Glen Cove.
Martinez, a Korean War veteran, has been a pillar of the Glen Cove community for over five decades. His volunteer journey began in the 1970s with the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as captain and was named Fireman of the Year in 1979.
In 1984, he transformed the intersection of Cottage Row and North Lane into “Vinnie’s Island,” a beautification project that symbolizes his devotion to the city.
The ceremony began with an opening prayer by VFW Post 347 Chaplain Chad Ryals, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Glen Cove Fire Chief Philip Grella Jr. and VFW Post Commander Howard Stillwagon. Glen Cove High School student Dakota Rios performed the National Anthem.
Remarks were delivered by Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, and County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, all commending Martinez’s dedication to the community.
Anthony Anzalone, adjutant of Glen Cove American Legion Post 76, described the monument as “a testament to Vinnie’s profound impact.”
Tribute and Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews said “this monument will inspire future generations.”
Martinez shared his gratitude, calling his work on Vinnie’s Island “a labor of love” and thanking the community for its support, while his son, Vinnie Martinez Jr., later expressed pride in his father’s dedication to the community.
Glen Cove Fire Chief Philip Wm. Grella Jr., who participated in the ceremony, spoke afterward, recognizing Martinez’s longstanding contributions to the city and his unwavering commitment to service.
During the event, Martinez was presented with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol on behalf of Nassau Congressman Tom Suozzi, student-made cards from Gribbin Elementary School, and a commemorative plaque.
Citations were also given by Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, and Darcy Belyea, representing County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the monument, as the two sponsoring organizations joined Martinez for the reveal and a group photo, with all those involved in the ceremony, including local veterans, firefighters, officials, and family and friends.
The Tribute and Honor Foundation, Glen Cove American Legion Post 76, and two anonymous donors collaborated to fund the monument and its installation, celebrating a man whose efforts have left an enduring mark on Glen Cove.
Veterans, firefighters, commanders of area posts, community leaders and representatives from local organizations, including Scout Troop 6, Team Eva, the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, were in attendance. Other officials included Council Members Grady Farnan, Michael Ktistakis, Danielle Fugazy Scagliola and Marsha Silverman, along with Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton.
Angelina Stanco-Stone is the secretary of the Tribute and Honor Foundation
