Middle Island's Bartlett Park was
the site of the 2009 Veteran's Day observance to honor the men
and women of Longwood who served our nation in war and peace.
The blustery weather did not deter the several dozen community
members who attended and participated in the ceremonies. The
event was sponsored by the Longwood Alliance, and organized and
hosted by President Gail Lynch-Bailey. Speakers included Middle
Island Civic president Tom Talbot, Suffolk County Legislator
Kate Browning, Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert, and
Longwood Board of Education members Dan Tomaszewski and Maureen
Silvestri.
Special recognition was offered on
behalf of Longwood veterans John C. McMahon and Jerome Dellibovi,
both of whom passed away in October 2009. Their pictures are
shown on the cover of the attached flyer. Opening and closing
prayers were offered by Desert Storm veteran Jim
Dowling and Coram Fire Department veteran Tom Lyon,
respectively.
Middle Island Boy Scout Troop 433 served as color guard and
accompanied the laying of the wreath with TAPS. The scouts also
performed the Air Force's flag folding ceremony under the
direction of Scoutmaster Ed Heinrichs.
Acknowledgement of those Veteran's in attendance at the
Veteran's Day celebration.
Honored guests included veterans who served in WW-2, Korea,
Vietnam, and Desert Storm. Something rather amazing happened
when Kate Browning asked the vets in attendance to come forward,
introduce themselves and say where they'd served. Two gentlemen
announced they'd just discovered they'd served together in WWII
under General George Patton, each having seen action during the
Battle of the Bulge.
George and Angelo, both who served with General Patton's 3rd
Division in World War II.
Recognition was also offered to the
more than 50 Longwood graduates who are currently serving in
the various armed forces around the world.
Thanks also go to the Town of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation
Department, TOB Public Safety for their capable support of the
event, and Myra Vaughn of the Longwood CSD.