The Town of North Hempstead will commemorate Memorial Day with a drive-in fireworks event on Saturday, May 29, at 9 p.m.
While the coronavirus pandemic caused the town to postpone any in-person events last year, this year restrictions have been eased on how the public can honor those who lost their lives while serving in the military. North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said town officials are eager to host an event with people physically in attendance, although they will remain in their vehicles.
“The Town is excited to continue this tradition for the North Hempstead community,” Bosworth said. “We look forward to everyone coming together on Memorial Day Weekend as we kick off the unofficial start of summer and also reflect on the supreme sacrifices made by the brave men and women in the armed forces.”
Officials said each vehicle will be required to pay a $10 entry fee at the North Hempstead Beach Park. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with the fireworks event kicking off promptly at 9 p.m. The fireworks, produced by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks, will be synced to music broadcast through the car radio.
The event will admit only North Hempstead residents, with capacity being limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials said residents are encouraged to bring nonperishable and canned goods as a part of the town’s ongoing donation drive.
Registration is not required. Residents can contact the town for more information by calling 311 or 516-869-6311.
Aside from the town, Port Washington’s American Legion Post 509 announced that it will hold a parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 10 a.m. The parade will include Post 509, the VFW Henderson-Marino Post 1819, the Port Washington Fire Department, the Port Washington Police Department and the Sands Point Police Department, according to Douglas W. Weston, commander of Post 509.
The parade will not include any other participants, Weston said, and will march from Campus Drive to the Sousa Band Shell via Main Street.
“When you come to watch the parade and support our veterans, please remember to observe all current social distancing and mask requirements,” Weston said. “We look forward to May 2022, when we will be able to march with all our traditional groups.”
Efforts to reach a representative from the county to see what, if any, events would occur in honor of the holiday were unavailing. Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) told the New York Post that people should be able to honor those who lost their lives serving the nation with an in-person event.
“The brave men and women who lost their lives in service to our nation deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice,” Nicolello told the Post. “If we can safely attend a baseball game, or visit a museum or beach, we should be able to gather to honor those who have laid down their lives for our country.”
