With Memorial Day weekend approaching, heading to beaches and hosting picnics were always customary, but the true meaning of the holiday was always reflected in the dozens of parades and ceremonies hosted across America’s largest township. Community members of all ages participated in these events to honor the courageous men and women in the military who gave their lives to protect the United States of America.
Unfortunately, due to the state’s directives during the COVID-19 pandemic, all large gatherings are prohibited, including all highly attended Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in 2020. However, Supervisor Don Clavin is partnering with the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council, which comprises of Levittown VFW Post No. 9592, American Legion Post 1711 and more, to host a special livestreamed Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park in Levittown. Adhering to the state’s COVID-19 regulations, Hempstead Town and the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council will host a virtual ceremony to continue a nearly 75-year Memorial Day tradition in the community built by veterans for veterans.
The limited attended ceremony will include the laying of the wreath by VFW Post No. 9592 Commander Peter Stasinski and American Legion Post 1711 Commander Frank Marcinek. Also in attendance will be Gold Star parents of Daniel Fuentes, a Levittown hero who gave his life while serving in Iraq.
“Memorial Day is a time for us to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our freedoms and liberties we cherish as Americans,” Clavin said. “While it may be an uncertain and difficult time for our nation, one thing is for certain – the memory of these courageous Americans must never be forgotten.”
“As the president of the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council and a proud veteran of the Vietnam War, I have served alongside brave heroes who lost their lives while fighting for our freedoms,” Councilman Dennis Dunne said. “Levittown is home to a great number of veterans and their families, and it is certainly a proper location to host this special townwide Memorial Day service.”
The event can be viewed on Facebook Live (facebook.com/hempsteadtown) on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at 11:45 a.m. until noon. The ceremony will be closed to the public due to the state’s ban on large gatherings. Town residents from all communities are encouraged to participate in the Facebook Live and to share stories of their heroes in the comments section.
“Thank you to the entire Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council and Commanders Peter Stasinski and Frank Marcinek,” Clavin said. “Their efforts and partnership are ensuring that we carry on a longtime community tradition in a way that our residents can properly commemorate Memorial Day and honor our heroes together as one town.”
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