Below, find a slideshow of photos from this event provided by Port Richmond North Shore Alliance, a Staten Island community civic association. Port Richmond is one of the most diverse communities in New York City, with residents from all over the world living in this neighborhood. Many are immigrants, and they were previously concerned about the removal of the blue collection boxes previously provided by the United States Postal Service. These boxes allowed residents to drop off mail at any time of the day, since the post office locations themselves have more limited hours. In an effort to save money, the postmaster was removing these boxes, which provided jobs for local union members, as they were separate from the residential routes and required additional employees to check and empty them. This association also protested against the newly introduced congestion pricing, which makes the cost of driving into lower Manhattan unreasonable for most residents, with no discount for people in the outer boroughs who need to drive in for work. For Staten Islanders, we have among the very longest commutes in all of the City, for those who work in Manhattan. Our public transportation options are also very limited, with the ferry and buses as the only option for this neighborhood in particular. Their commute time by car exceeds an hour and a half, and public transit was closer to two and a half hours for residents of this area.
Port Richmond North Shore Alliance hosted their 6th Annual Military Banner Event, a meaningful community tribute honoring our local veterans and active-duty service members.
The event took place Saturday, May 16, 2026 on Vreeland Avenue & Heberton Avenue (Dead End)
This annual ceremony recognizes the brave men and women of our Armed Forces through the unveiling and acknowledgment of Military Service Banners displayed throughout our neighborhood. The event brings together veterans, families, residents, elected officials, city and state agency representatives, and community leaders in a unified show of gratitude and respect.
The program included:
- Presentation of Colors
- National Anthem
- Recognition of honored service members and their families
- Remarks from community and government leaders
- Public acknowledgment of our agency and civic partners
Security will be provided by the New York City Police Department to ensure a safe and orderly gathering.
Military Banner Recipients: Class of 2026
John Aloia
Saul Amtzis
Franklin S. Anderson
Salvatore J. DeMarco
James J. Dugan
Brian P. Fleming
Maurice “Cookie” Greco
Joseph Ianelli Sr.
Harold I. Lane
Isaac Lockman
George Maranzani
Joseph C. Meaders
Richard E. O’Connor
Michael H. Ollis
Pedro P. Perez
Joshua Spanton
José L. Sánchez
Westley Thomas
Joseph G. Tortora
David W. Wallace
Banner Image: Military banner event. Image Credit – Port Richmond North Shore Alliance
Port Richmond North Shore Alliance
Port Richmond /North Shore Alliance was formed to Preserve the History of Port Richmond. Port Richmond was once a major source of shopping for food, clothing, and many other items. The majority of stores today are primarily Small Businesses which are owned by families, many of whom live in the Port Richmond Area and the North Shore. We are here to preserve the name, improve Quality of Life, and make Port Richmond and surrounding neighborhoods a safe place to live with family. We are confronting ANY project that would jeopardize a safe living environment in the community such as reckless Development, reckless Business Owners and reckless Landlords. We have a proven track record of success. We provide the community with the luxury of knowing that if you have a problem - we have a problem - and WE HAVE SOLUTIONS. Participating in our efforts is always a good thing. Be a part of the neighborhood. Be a part of great things to happen.