Person of the Year

The Person of the Year

Each year, we examine the people who have the greatest impact on the lives of the citizens of Queens and select one to highlight in thanks for the effect they have had on our lives.

Despite the successes a handful of notable people have had and their influences upon the borough a, it became clear early in our decision-making that the proper respect this year lies with the people from Queens who have given their lives in our ongoing war.

As of the date of publication, 24 members of the armed forces from Queens have died, either in combat, by a roadside bomb or by virtue of the hazards of serving in a combat environment.

Not everybody chooses to offer themselves up in potential sacrifice, to make that journey to fight in a foreign land, to take part in a war that many in this nation do not support. But despite beliefs about the virtue of this or any other war, we have dedicated this issue to pay respect to those men and women of Queens who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

They, collectively, are truly the Person of the Year.

The Person of the Year: Soliders operating out of Bayside’s Fort Totten board a plane for their deployment to Iraq. Tribune Photo By Ira Cohen

How Many More?

We have paid tribute to the 24 members of the Armed Forces from Queens who have died fighting the War on Terror. They will not be the last.

An honor guard carries the casket bearing the remains of Jeffery Calero, the 24th from Queens to die in the war. Tribune photo by Ira Cohen.

We dedicate this issue to their families, to those whose lives they have touched, to the loved ones of those who await the return of their sons and daughters and to the men and women who have chosen to serve.

We wait patiently for the safe return of all of our brothers and sisters who are put in harm’s way every day fighting a war that fewer in our nation understand or support.

And we will continue to hold our breath every time news of another death comes across our desks and morbidly wish that the fallen service member is not yet another from Queens.