Many nations around the world celebrate a version of Armed Forces Day as a way to collectively honor their military forces, aside from individual days throughout the year dedicated to the birth of each branch of service.
The missions of today’s soldiers continuing to fight overseas remain a travesty back home. On Armed Forces Day it’s appropriate to acknowledge, and celebrate those who are serving, as well as those who have served. There is certainly reason to observe Armed Forces Day on Long Island, home to more than 250,000 veterans and hundreds of troops presently serving locally and abroad.
This Saturday (Armed Forces Day is always celebrated on the third Saturday in May), marks the 63rd anniversary of this holiday in the United States. It typically kicks off parades and ceremonies leading up to Memorial Day. In addition to local parades, Memorial Day on LI includes observances at the county veterans’ memorial in Eisenhower Park, local organization dedication events, local schools honoring community veterans, and Fleet Week demonstrations throughout the region.
Some of the myriad events on Long Island available for the public through Memorial Day include:
Sunday, May 20: Vietnam War Veteran Association prayer service in Freeport
Saturday, May 26: Unclaimed veteran cremains burial at Long Island National Cemetery.
Sunday May 27: United Veteran Organization Memorial Day Ceremony at Eisenhower Park
— CH
