Speaking at the morning Memorial Day observance at American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park, state Sen. Jack Martins recalled Lincoln’s words at Gettysburg about the inadequacy of declaring the battleground sacred ground.
“In a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract,” Lincoln said on that day.
The ground in front of Martins, a small green field behind the post, was laid out like a military graveyard, with crosses planted to commemorate those members of the post who died in the past year.
Martins told those present it was a day “to celebrate their sacrifices,” and the “principles that made our country great,” the principles he said that those who died had fought to save. He also recalled those who have returned home from war as silent casualties.
“There are those who have returned still wounded inside,” he said.
American Legion Post 144 Commander Frank Busa read the names of post members who had died in the past year, ringing a bell as he read each name. Members of VFW Post 1688 also participated in the observance.
“They have gone to the commander of us all,” Busa said. “Because of them, the nation is blessed.”
Angelo Carbone’s name was the first read among the post’s most recent losses “to the post unit everlasting of the auxillary of the American Legion,” Busa said.
When Carbone was 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and earned two battle stars fighting in the 65th Infantry Division of Gen. George Patton’s Third Army through action in France, Belgium and Austria during World War II.
In his post-war volunteer service, Carbone was a member of the East Williston Fire Department for 45 years and fire commissioner of the East Williston Fire District for 25 years. He died in April at age 87.
Wreaths were planted and a three-man rifle team fired off a salute near the conclusion of the ceremonies
The Williston Park veterans, including a color guard and the rifle team marched solemnly through the symbolic veterans’ graveyard to join the line of march in a parade that stopped at Village Hall before ultimately ending at the Williston Park Fire Department.
The Mineola High School Marching Band was the featured performance for the parade, setting a vibrant pace for the marchers.
Boy Scout Troops 200 and 201 and members of the Williston Park Fire Department led by Williston Park Chief George Jaronczyk were also in the line of march.
At Williston Park Village Hall, Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar called on those present to keep the occasion in mind.
“As we spend a day with family and friends, take a moment to say a prayer for those who’ve fallen,” Ehrbar said. “God bless our fallen service men.”
Rosemarie Farrar led the singing of the U.S. national anthem and ended the ceremonies singing, “God Bless America.”
In Mineola, the Chaminade Marching Band was joined by dancers of the Mineola Portuguese Society. And the Mineola Fire Department Band struck up nostalgia with its rousing version of “Hold That Tiger” as the parade wound down Jericho Turnpike from Wilson Park and finally, down Marcellus to Mineola Memorial Park.
Members of the Mineola Fire Department were marching too joined by Sgt. Matthew Doyle. He joined the Mineola volunteers while he was a senior in high school in 2004 – the last time he marched in the Memorial Day parade with them. Currently stationed at Fort Drum, Doyle said he’s done three tours of duty in Iraq covering 38 months and hadn’t been home since enlisting eight years ago.
“I have not been home here in Mineola. It was my pleasure to march with my department,” Doyle said.
On this Memorial Day, Doyle said he was thinking of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss and other fellow firefighters and service members.
“We are a nation that still believes in freedom for all. Today we remember everyone who’s lost a loved one,” Salvation Army chaplain Douglas Mendoza told those assembled in Memorial Park for the observance.
Sal Cataldo, American Legion Post 144 commander, read a poem in the voice of a fallen hero.
Cataldo then criticized the federal government’s treatment of veterans.
“This country really doesn’t care. I hate to say that, but I have to say it,” he said.
Manny Grilo, commander of Mineola’s Adolph Block VFW Post 1305, a Vietnam veteran, spoke of war heroes – past and present.
“The heroes never came home,” Grilo said.
He said the 6,400 members of the U.S. military killed in Iraq and Afghanistan are “a lot less than Vietnam, but it’s still one too many. They gave their lives and made it possible for us to be here today.”
Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello praised Cataldo and Grilo for their continuing service in veterans observances. Nicolello told those present the way to properly honor our war dead it “to make our own lives monuments to their memories.”
Strauss invoked lines of Washington Irving about the emotions of a commemoration.
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love,” Strauss said.
He asked everyone to pause at 3 p.m. and say a prayer in solidarity with all those observing the day.
Strauss recalled the origins of Memorial Day in the actions of women in South Carolina decorating the graves of those fallen in the battle of Shilloh, and cleaning them and decorating unkept union graves as well.
As an unexpected squadron of four jet fighters soared overhead, Grilo reminded everyone of the needs of living vets.
“Iraq and Afghanistan vets need medical treatment,” he said, noting that 74,000 U.S. veterans sere referred to Veterans Affairs hospitals last year.
