Every year, the community gathers at Bartlett Pond Park in Middle Island to recognize veterans in a special ceremony among the monuments of the nation’s wars assembled at the park.
Hostilities stopped during World War I, known as the “Great War,” on the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month. Since then, we have honored the sacrifices of our heroes on Veterans Day, according to Gail Lynch-Bailey, who organizes the event on behalf of the Longwood Alliance and Middle Island Civic Association.
Local scouts, emergency service volunteers, Longwood school officials, and many others participated in the event. Also in attendance were Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano and some of his government colleagues, including County Executive Ed Romaine, Senator Dean Murray, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, and Legislator Chad Lennon, a veteran himself.
Thanks to those who support the annual ceremony: Central Brookhaven Lions, Scout Troops 433 and 560, Longwood High School veterans, the Town of Brookhaven Parks Department, and the Coram and Middle Island fire Departments.