A portion of Port Washington Boulevard is being renamed to honor a U.S. Army Ranger who died in combat in Iraq.
Sgt. James “Jimmy” Regan grew up in Manhasset and was an All-American lacrosse player at Chaminade High School. After high school, he became a star member of Duke University’s lacrosse program.
Deeply affected by the terror attacks of Sept. 11, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army after college, passing up lucrative Wall Street job opportunities and law school scholarships.
He excelled in the military as well, graduating first in his basic training class, receiving the distinction of “Soldier of the Cycle” and later earning a spot in the elite Army Rangers.
Regan served four overseas combat tours, two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq.
Regan died Feb. 9, 2007, when his vehicle was targeted by an IED in Northern Iraq.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal for his brave and heroic service, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
“Sgt. James was a true hero; he lived by his actions and unselfishly decided to serve and defend his country. I was proud to sponsor this legislation to honor his memory,” Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso (D-Great Neck) said in a statement.
D’Urso and Sen. Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) sponsored the legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, renaming the half-mile stretch between Northern Boulevard and Crabapple Road, near where Regan grew up in Manhasset, as “Sergeant James J. Regan Boulevard.”
“[Regan] volunteered to serve our country and did so with honor, courage and distinction during four overseas combat tours,” Phillips said in a statement. “This honor will help ensure that his memory, heroism and ultimate sacrifice in service to our country will always be remembered.”
Phillips said a dedication ceremony will be held later this year in Manhasset.
“We are truly humbled by this tribute to our son Jimmy,” Jim and Mary Regan said. “Jimmy was a special young man who touched the life of so many Long Islanders. We strive to honor his life and legacy every day, and we are extremely grateful that those who will now drive along ‘Sergeant James J. Regan Boulevard’ will have a daily reminder of the selfless sacrifice Jimmy made serving and defending our country.”
