In villages across North Hempstead people gathered by the hundreds to celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In Mineola, the first parade in two years was held with the Mineola Fire Department and Boy Scouts Troop 45 each sharing responsibilities. The two organizations took over parade operations from Mineola VFW Post 1305, which recently closed down due to lack of membership, and the American Legion.
In 2021, an observance was held at Memorial Park.
Marchers who were in the parade that kicked off at 11 a.m. from Wilson Park included village, town and county officials, the Mineola High School and Chaminade marching bands, the Chamber of Commerce, the Portuguese Heritage Society and first responders, among others.
“Today we honor and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life,” Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira said in a Facebook post Monday. “Not only should we mourn their deaths, but thank God that they lived.”
Following the parade, a memorial ceremony was held at the Mineola Memorial Park Amphitheater.
In East Williston, the annual Memorial Day 5k Run/Walk was conducted as well as the Little Tykes’ Race later in the morning. A parade beginning on Downing Street at the rear of North Side School kicked off at 11 a.m. and was followed by a ceremony at War Memorial.
In Williston Park, the American Legion Post 144 held its annual Memorial Day service and parade. Following the post’s everlasting ceremony Monday morning, a parade was held beginning on Willis Avenue and finishing in front of Village Hall, where a short ceremony took place recognizing the servicemen and servicewomen who lost their lives for the country.
At North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, hundreds of people gathered Saturday for the town’s Memorial Day commemoration and fireworks extravaganza.
Bad weather earlier in the day caused concerns and an imminent storm prompted the fireworks show to be moved up, but later on bright skies and warm weather made for a beautiful outing for residents.
“It’s always a special time here in the town when we’re able to honor and commemorate the veterans and the fallen heroes who fought to protect our freedom here in America, especially together here in person this year,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.
A fireworks show by Santore Fireworks and musical entertainment by BonJourney, a Bon Jovi and Journey tribute band, were centerpieces of this year’s entertainment. Spectators could also grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks in attendance.
Honoring members of the United States Armed Services was at the forefront of the day. Local officials, including state Sen. Anna Kaplan, gave their thoughts in a special ceremony.
“It’s wonderful for us to stand here together and remember the sacrifices and the service of all the veterans, whether current or past, or the sacrifices that their families have made,” she said. “We can’t thank them enough.”
The Pledge of Allegiance led by local Girl Scouts, a presentation of the flag and a rendition of “Taps” by community veterans, and a performance by the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band were among the other highlights of this ceremony.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and service to our country,” said Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte. “Thank you to all those past and present who have gotten our freedom and for your success.”
Dalimonte encouraged attendees to do something special for a veteran this weekend.
Desena also mentioned that on Memorial Day, at noon and 6 p.m., local fire departments sounded their alarms across Nassau County “so that we will all stop and remember.”
