Northport Woman Realizes Father's Dream

Northport Vietnam War veteran George Cressy would have been pleased. After many years of trying to have a traffic sign erected on the Long Island Expressway directing travelers to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, his daughter Katie Cressy Heaviside today saw his dream realized thanks to her efforts after his death last year.

Awarded a Bronze Star for heroism in Vietnam in the Battle of Dak To, Cressy returned to Long Island and remained active in the 1980’s veteran movement to assert pride in Vietnam War service. He was also a member of the committee that erected the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Bald Hill in Farmingville, NY.

While happy that a memorial existed, Cressy was troubled that there was no sign on the Long Island Expressway at Exit 63 directing travelers to the memorial. He met with opposition from the Department of Transportation, primarily due to the fact that an organization had to commit to the cost of the sign and its yearly upkeep, and the issue was still not resolved at the time of his death last year. Bethpage Federal Credit Union, many of whose members are veterans, offered to pick up all costs.

“My Dad was a person who never gave up. He was determined to get a sign erected after the memorial was built, but sadly he died before seeing his dream come to fruition. I think he would be happy to see that I inherited his stubborn streak and did not give up. Thankfully, Bethpage Federal Credit Union
also believed in this. All in all, I think my Dad would be proud of our efforts today,” said Katie Cressy Heaviside.

“Today is about recognizing veterans who served in Vietnam and Vietnam veteran George Cressy who wouldn’t let go of his dream," said Bethpage Federal Credit Union President/CEO Kirk Kordeleski, whose father served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. "Bethpage recognizes the sacrifices that all veterans have made, and continue to make, to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy and we are pleased to lend our support in whatever way we can."