This weekend we celebrate one of America’s great holidays, Memorial Day. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U. S. soldiers who died while in the military service. It was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and later extended to honor Americans who have died in all wars. For as long as all of us can remember, Farmingdale Village has celebrated Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street, organized by our Village Fire Department, followed by memorial services on our Village Green. This year is no exception but in addition to the parade and veterans services, we will be dedicating a new Civil War Memorial honoring those from Farmingdale who served in the American Civil War.
The Civil War Monument will be presented to the community by the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society to honor the memory of the young men from Farmingdale who served in the Union Army or U.S. Navy during the conflict of 1861 to 1865. The memorial will serve to fulfill an obligation overlooked for almost 150 years to keep alive the memory of these young men and their selfless contribution to the preservation of our nation. A big thank you to the members of the Historical Society for donating this memorial to the community.
As we gather on “the Green” this Memorial Day, please enjoy our new “Memorial Walkway.” Our World War I, II, Korea and Vietnam monuments have been relocated in chronological order to provide a respectful setting of honor for those who have served our Country and enabled us to continue to enjoy the freedom established by our founding fathers. This area of our Green is a work in progress as we continue to add trees, flowers and shrubs as further enhancements. The cost of this work has been paid from Parkland Funds and grants. Taxpayer money has not been used for this project.
A heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers who helped plant our spring and summer flowers. On two Saturday mornings, members of the Beautification Committee together with many new volunteers, Girl Scouts, high school students, Mayor, Trustees, Village Administrator, Public Works Superintendent and DPW personnel worked countless hours hanging flower baskets, planting street pots as well as ground planting, and hoisting new American flags. All of this work was done along Main Street, Conklin Street, in Village Green, Northside Park, Main Street/Melville Road Gazebo Park and Gerngras Park.
Throughout the year, our spring and fall plantings and holiday decorating has been accomplished through the tireless work of volunteers. Without their dedication, this work could not be done. Our Village is so fortunate to have so many people committed to this effort.
I hope to see you along the Parade route and at Village Green this Monday as the Village of Farmingdale celebrates Memorial Day 2011.
