Del Vino Vineyards honored veterans and Gold Star Families with a custom American Flags

July 1st, 2021 - Northport – N.Y., Last night, Del Vino Vineyards honored veterans and Gold Star Families with a custom American Flag.

“As much as we each enjoy the traditions of this coming weekend, Independence Day is, most of all, an opportunity to reflect on the bravery, courage, foresight, and genius of those who drafted The Declaration of Independence. After all these years, the message continues to resonate with how being an American is a deeply felt commitment to higher principles: liberty, equality, opportunity, and self-governance,” stated Lisa Giachetti, owner of Del Vino Vineyards.

Lisa continued to say, “Today – and every day – we are grateful for our military personnel, past and present, and the families who support them. To those who courageously gave their lives and those who bravely fight today, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication.”

Del Vino Vineyards is profoundly grateful for the selfless sacrifice of America’s military heroes. As part of the year-round initiative, Lisa & Fred Giachetti, vineyard owners, presented 11 military families and two Gold Star families with a custom American Flag hand-made by Long Island-based Giants Wood Shop.

Not long ago, Del Vino Vineyards asked their customers to nominate a hero to be recognized for their service and sacrifice.

“Of course, heroes come in many shapes and sizes: active military, veterans, military families, volunteers who make a difference in the lives of those who serve – even pooches who give their lives in the service of our military men and women. We wanted to tell their stories, honor their work, and give back a little to those who give so much. We received so many stories, and Today we have several veterans that exemplify extraordinary courage and commitment,” stated Jennifer Pinto, Marketing Director for the vineyard.

Veterans represented all branches, including 91-year-old John Gatto, U.S. Marine, 92-year-old Jack Vogt, U.S. Army, who served in the Korean War. Both veterans shed a tear and said, “Thank you for continuing to honor those that have served and those that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

• Ryan Allen, U.S. Army, Veteran

• Tom Teufel, U.S. Army, Veteran

• Michael Costarelli, U.S. Army, Veteran

• William McKenna, U.S. Army, Veteran

• Brian Berretta, U.S. Navy, Veteran

• Michael MacDougall, U.S. Navy Veteran

• Edward Watkins, U.S. Navy Veteran

• Daniel Paiva, currently serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves

• Christopher Kapp, currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserve

Flags were also presented in memory of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, a Northport resident, who was a United States Coast Guardsman who was killed in action in the Iraq War in 2004 whose parents Ric & Pat were present and Chief Warrant Officer John William Engeman, an East Northport resident, who was killed in action in Bagdad, Iraq in 2006 whose sister Patti and brother-in-law Kevin O’Neil were present.

Northport resident & a junior at Penn State University, Daniella Bivas performed the National Anthem and God Bless America.

“We hope that everyone keeps our servicemen and women in our thoughts and prayers, not only today but every day. We wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy Independence Day because America is certainly worth celebrating,” stated Lisa Giachetti.