Story and Photo by Sgt. Beth Zimmerman
Marine Corps Public Affairs NYC

NEW YORK (May 5, 2005) -- The newest proclamation from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg reads, "while no action can ever fully convey our appreciation for our men and women in uniform, this sign ensures we will never forget."

 Community and service members gathered in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, to create a permanent tribute to service members deployed in support of the war on terror today. They renamed the intersection of Oriental Boulevard and Corbin Place to "Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom Way."

"We need to honor [our service members] 365 days a year," said Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and Master of Ceremonies for the street renaming ceremony. "First and foremost, they are more important than anything."

The Be Proud Foundation, a Brooklyn organization founded by Raisa Chernina that supports and recognizes Russian service members, worked with Russian American Service Members of Armed Forces (RAS) to rename the street. Marine Sgt. Alex Presman, who was medically retired from the Corps last year, founded RAS with Chernina's help. Presman was a reservist with 6th Communication Battalion in Brooklyn before losing his foot in Iraq in 2003. The 27-year-old Brooklyn native is originally from Minsk, Belarus.

Be Proud and RAS have stressed the importance of honoring the service members currently fighting. Chernina said it is important to honor them now, rather than years after the war has ended.

"It is crucial that we do not hesitate to declare our gratitude for men and women in uniform," Chernina previously stated, "as they did not hesitate to risk their lives for us."

"This is a chance for our community to come together," said City Councilman Gifford Miller. "(We are) making sure for the rest of time, that this spot will honor and remember the heroes who make our daily lives possible."

Major General Richard Colt, Commander of the Army Reserve 77th Regional Readiness Command, thanked the community members for their support.

"You are here today to honor the best of America," said Colt. "You have no idea how much it means to these Marines...and others serving."

"We are here together making history," said Senator Martin Golden, "...and paying tribute to our warriors as the war on terrorism rages."

Before the official unveiling of the new street sign, the community observed a moment of silence for service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Then, Marines from 6th Comm Bn performed a 21-gun salute in their memory.

"You are all American heroes," said Golden. "Your sacrifices will never be forgotten."