Nassau County paused in solemn tribute this Memorial Day honoring Long Island’s fallen troops with a county-wide moment of silence, a patriotic parade, and heartfelt words from veterans and elected officials alike.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside members of the county legislature — spoke to a crowd of roughly 150 people in Glen Cove Monday afternoon, honoring the area’s historic veteran population for the third year in a row.
“This is the day where we remember those who died in the line of duty defending our country,” Blakeman told The Post. “Say a prayer for them, for their soul, for their families.”
Veterans and civilian residents alike came to the ceremony to honor those who gave their life for the country.
Michael Renga, a 17-year-old high school student from Glen Cove who was rocking a full-blown American Flag suit jacket, said the county’s celebration is important to him and his “patriot family.”
“We enjoy this weekend for being the unofficial start to summer, but these ceremonies are important so we can reflect on what the day truly means and how much sacrifice has gone into protecting the freedoms that we have,” Renga, whose grandfather served in World War II, told The Post.
But the day means more to those who served — like Howard Stillwagon, a disabled combat veteran who fought in Vietnam.
“I saw about 20 soldiers get killed over in my time in the jungle,” Stillwagon solemnly remembered. “It really bothered me to see them in a bag going home to their families.”
“It’s a party day full of barbeques, but you have to stop and think of the guys that sacrificed their lives.”
After the ceremony, Stillwagon led his troop of local combat veterans in the city’s parade alongside Blakeman down Glen Cove’s Main Street — where businesses were offering deals and specials after the march.
A second county-wide moment of silence was scheduled for 6 p.m. later that day, alerting residents with church bells and fire alarms from departments and houses of worship all over Nassau.
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