Plenty of South Shore patriots gathered on Independence Day outside the VFW Hall in Rocky Point to celebrate the forming of our new nation and the end of King George's rule almost 250 years ago.
The festivities began with President Executive Director of the Rocky Point Chamber of Commerce and President of the Civic Association Gary Pollakusky walking up the steps of a massive military truck to welcome the crowd.
The blare of a trumpet kicked off the festivities, with VFW Commander Joe Cognitore telling the crowd to "remove their cover" during the playing of the National Anthem
The assembled crowd, adorned in parts of their military uniforms and red, white and blue attire stood tall with the utmost respect.
As veteran Bob Levy took the microphone he immediately captivated the crowd. He began with "I often get asked at 97 years old what do you think about. Well, I tell them I think about 98."
A natural with the microphone, there was quickly no doubt why this member of the Greatest Generation was chosen to talk about America's history. The World War II veteran took the audience through a revolutionary history leading up to the signing of that most important document.
Maureen O'Keefe and the Revolutionaries were adorned in their best colonial outfits, which gave the event a unique and interesting feel for every onlooker. As the Declaration of Independence was recited by numerous readers, the crowd felt the power of each word from that historical document that served as the birth of our Constitutional Republic..
From New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Gilgio, to Charles Bevington, from the Rocky Point Historical Society, to the children in attendance, every attendee was fixated on the readings and captivated by the occasion.
The feeling of patriotic pride continues long after the Fourth of July celebration, as the streets of Rocky Point are lined with tributes to veterans up and down the downtown area.
Nich Parhar, Gary Suzik, Daniel Guida, and Patrick Biglin are only some of the names who made the Rocky Point event as special as it was.