A Manhasset U.S. Army Ranger who died in combat in Iraq a decade ago will be honored in his hometown Nov. 9.
Sgt. James “Jimmy” Regan, a Chaminade High School alumnus and star Duke University lacrosse player, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 9, 2007, when his vehicle was targeted by an IED in Northern Iraq. The Manhasset native was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple heart and Meritorious Service Medial for his service.
Regan served four overseas combat tours, two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
The section of Port Washington Boulevard between Northern Boulevard and Crabapple Road will be renamed “Sergeant James J. Regan Memorial Boulevard” near where he grew up.
Legislation making this change was initiated in the state Senate by Sen. Elaine Phillips and in the state Assembly by Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso.
“[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.”
The renaming ceremony will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 9 at the corner of Port Washington Boulevard and Park Avenue North in Munsey Park. A reception will follow at Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department at 2 Community Drive East in Manhasset.
“We are truly humbled by this tribute to our son Jimmy,” his parents 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.”
