Pouring rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the residents who turned out for Memorial Day ceremonies across Long Island as annual parades and services went on as usual.
In Center Moriches, a procession went down Main Street led by members of VFW Victory Post 414, which organizes the event every year. Culminating at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery where a memorial service takes place, the event drew a solemn crowd despite the weather.
“We have a tremendous amount of veterans buried here who served in the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond,” said Post Commander Robert Galbraith, who officiated the ceremony. Earlier, veterans and volunteers placed American flags donated by East Moriches Hardware at the graves of those who served. Flowers for the ceremony were donated by Kurt Weiss Greenhouses, Galbraith noted.
“It’s a special day when we recognize those who gave their lives so that America can be free,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. “It’s a time where we think about and honor the sacrifices they made.”
Following the Center Moriches service, Romaine, along with Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, and Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, went on to services in Mastic Beach, Greenwood Village, and Calverton National Cemetery, where volunteers placed thousands of flags to honor the veterans.
Calverton is one of the largest and most significant national veterans cemeteries in the United States, serving as the final resting place for more than 300,000 veterans and their family members. Established in 1978 on former naval property, the cemetery honors Americans who served in conflicts ranging from World War II to the present day.
The South Shore events were among many across the area including parades and services in Brookhaven, Bellport, Medford, Middle Island, Smithtown, Kings Park, St. James, Commack, Greenlawn, Lake Ronkonkoma, Elwood, Centerport, Huntington Village, and Lindenhurst.
A national holiday, Memorial Day was formally established in 1868 to honor those who died in the Civil War. Over time, the holiday expanded to recognize all American military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.