Vets of Iraq, Afghanistan Carry Flags in 2013 Mineola Memorial Day Parade

Residents may not have known, but at the front of the Mineola Memorial Day parade this year as color bearers were two recently-returned home veterans from both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Daniel Cribben, a 23-year old Marine from Williston Park, carried the American flag along the streets of the village, while 24-year old Army veteran Owen Reill from Mineola carried the American Legion Flag.

Cribben, who attended Mineola High School, served in Iraq in 2008 for six months as well as a tour in Afghanistan from 2010-11, attaining the rank or corporal. He joined the Marines following in the footsteps of his grandfather who was at Bogenville and Guadalcanal during WWII.

“Pride,” he said is what he felt when asked what the day meant to him. “I love this country. I’ve opted to give my life, to cash that check if they need to, but I’m glad to be here, I’m glad to be recognized and I’m glad that Mineola’s a great town to recognize their veterans and everything.”

Reill completed his service in October after serving two tours in 2009 and 2011 with the 10th Mountain Division and was a PFC. He said that he joined the armed services due to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and also had family who served in the armed forces as well.

“Today was great, seeing everyone show up, I just wanted to do something important,” he said.

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