Communities across Suffolk turned out over the Memorial Day weekend to pay respect to the fallen heroes who gave all in service to their country.
“On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence,” said VFW Post 414 Commander Robert Galbraith at a ceremony after the Center Moriches parade. “Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men and women—an expression of their tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism.”
Also speaking at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery service, which features a granite memorial honoring those who made the ultimate commitment, was Brookhaven Supervisor Edward Romaine. He noted that Veterans Day in November is set aside for those who served; Memorial Day is for those who gave their lives.
“When you think back to all the people who stepped forward from the very first battle at Lexington and Concord right up to the present day who decided to take up arms to defend our country and put their lives in jeopardy so that this country could live free, you are humbled,” Supervisor Romaine said. “To all the Americans who died in service to their country, we stand here today with one message: We remember and we are thankful.”
In addition to the Center Moriches parade and memorial service, events were held throughout the area, including Greenwood Village, Farmingville, Holbrook, Patchogue, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Middle Island, Setauket, and Smithtown, as well as the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach.
Volunteers also placed American flags at the National Cemeteries in Calverton and Farmingdale. Flags placed at Mt. Pleasant were donated by Mike Cavanaugh at East Moriches Hardware.
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| Center Moriches Robert Chartuk |
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| Mastic Beach Robert Chartuk |
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| Patchouge Roe Carroll |
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| Holbrook Roe Carroll |
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| Greenwood Village Robert Chartuk |