Smithtown resident’s flag given to Donald Trump

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Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) yesterday presented President Donald Trump with a flag provided to him by Smithtown resident Donato Panico who had helped feed responders after 9/11.

Panico in the weeks after 9/11 drove from his Smithtown deli to Ground Zero, where he provided free food to responders, including one who gave him a flag that flew on one of the surrounding buildings.

“Knowing this flag wasn’t his, but rather a part of history, Donato sent the flag to Iraq with a local deployed serviceman who he instructed to bring back the flag when he returned home safe,” Zeldin said. “After flying the flag over his camp in Iraq, he returned home and returned the flag to Donato.”

Panico, who ran Panico’s Community Market in Smithtown for 36 years, said he is happy the flag was given to the president.

“He’s the president of the United States,” Panico said. “Any man who would give his livelihood up and be attacked by the media 24 hours a day is a patriot to me.”

Panico said he sees some positive developments under Trump related to the economy, including low unemployment.

“He’s rough around the edges,” Panico said. “Our jobs are coming back. He’s looking out for the American people.”

Panico said he supports the president, regardless of political party, as the leader of the nation’s government.

“I thought very highly of President Obama too,” Panico said. “We should stand behind the commander and chief.”

Donato attended the State of the Union speech as Zeldin’s guest and asked the congressman to give this flag to President Trump.

“Today, Donato continues to dedicate his life to our community’s first responders through his foundation, Heros 4 Our Heroes, which aims to feed Long Island’s first responders in thanks for their service,” Zeldin said.

Heros 4 Our Heroes seeks to bring awareness to and show thanks to police, fire fighters and veterans. Panico and his family started by donating hero sandwiches to them before seeking to involve others.

“That’s one of our events for the year,” Panico said of donations done on holidays. “On Thanksgiving we raise money. Last year, we got 1,500 turkeys on Thanksgiving and 1,500 hams and turkeys on Christmas and donated them to the Northport VA.”

The group is raising money to rebuild the patio at the Northport VA, which he said is expected to cost about $120,000. Those interested in supporting the group can contact them at Heros 4 Our Heroes on Facebook.