Joseph Ferraro, a few months short of 90, proudly received six medals from Congresswoman Nita Lowey today at a ceremony honoring local veterans.

Ferraro served in the army from 1941-46 and flew over 41 combat missions as a B-24 heavy bomber plane pilot during WWII.  He was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation.

A Mamaroneck resident, Ferraro humbly accepted his honors and, when asked what he'd be doing for Veteran's Day, said, "Staying home and having a good dinner." He was accompanied by his wife; grandson, John DeCrescenzo and great-grandson, John DeCrescenzo Jr.

The ceremony also served as a call to action for local businesses to hire veterans. Although the nation's unemployment rate currently hovers around nine percent during the tail end of a recession, veterans—which number over 900,000 just in New York State—have a significantly higher rate of joblessness than the nationwide average.

"One of the most pressing challenges [veterans face] are finding jobs when they get home," said Congresswoman Nita Lowey, as she faced friends, family members and veterans of past wars on the eve of Veterans Day.

According to Lowey, 20 percent of all returning veterans under the age of 24 are looking for work.  

When Patch asked why the rate was so high compared to the general population, Lowey said, "When veterans come home many suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).  Many come back missing arms, legs and have to face enormous challenges.  We have to have that period where they can be helped to find a job—I feel strongly that it's the responsibility of the government."

As part of the American Heroes Act that Lowey would like to see passed, businesses would receive tax credits for hiring veterans and training programs for veterans would be strengthened.

Some of the other career services include the U.S. Department of Labor's Gold Card, which assists unemployed post-9/11 veterans with career counseling and referrals. The My Next Move website helps veterans narrow down career options and search for jobs in their area.