Back in December, a customer came into Bayview Florist and Montage of Massapequa Park and asked owner Mark Marrazzo for a blue ribbon to display as a show of support for the police department. Two days later, two officers were tragically gunned down in Manhattan.
Marrazzo decided something needed to be done to show support for the police department, which had been getting bad press. He put the word out on Facebook that he was giving away free blue bows to support our police and started the slogan “Let’s paint this town blue.” The ribbons were flying out the door and he has since given away close to 500 ribbons, which homeowners are proudly displaying outside their homes.
“People have been coming in from all over and the feedback has been so positive. It’s just the right thing to do,” said Marrazzo of his blue bows that started appearing all over the Massapequas; some on mailboxes and others on doors. “There is such an anti-police attitude, not necessarily around here, but we still have to make a statement. We have to show to our policemen and policewomen that we do love them, we do support them, we stand behind them.”
Mayor Jeff Pravato of Massapequa Park was thrilled to learn about Marrazzo’s campaign.
“I think what Mark is doing is fantastic. It shows how well respected the police are in the Massapequas. With all the negativity going around the country, it’s great to see how supportive the residents of Massapequa Park and the surrounding area are toward the police,” said Pravato. “It’s so nice because the village also has many policemen and women living here. A resident asked if they could put the blue bows up and down Park Boulevard in support of the police. We said that’s a great idea.”
Pravato also mentioned that at a regular meeting on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., he will be honoring the Nassau County Police Department for all the hard work they do to protect the residents of Massapequa.
As for Marrazzo, he hopes his campaign will show the police department for who they truly are—heroes.
“I don’t know how anyone can be a policeman and be antagonized the way that they are, especially a New York City cop,” he said. “They need to know we support them the way we do with our armed forces. When we see a soldier in uniform we reach out and shake their hand and say thank you. We don’t do that for the police. That’s got to stop.”
Marrazzo suggested buying a cup of coffee for a cop you see at the deli, or walk up to him in line and shake his hand and say thank you.
Claudia Ruiss of Massapequa had also taken notice of the bows around town. She went into the florist to purchase some flowers and asked Marrazzo about the blue bows.
“I feel very strongly about supporting the police. I have a very good friend whose son is a police officer in the city and she is very concerned about his safety,” said Ruiss. “I am displaying it in support of the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us. I have always felt that they have been there for us when we need them. I think it is wonderful of Mark to give out these free bows to display them in support of the police.”
Other residents of Massapequa Park, including Rita Gardini, proudly displays her bow in a place that makes an even bolder statement—on top of the American flag.
“I am displaying the bow to let the police know that they are wonderful and that they deserve every credit that they can get,” said Gardini, who also placed her bow on the manger in her nativity scene during Christmas. “I felt the angels would be watching them and so would Jesus.”
Massapequa resident, Senator Michael Venditto was pleased to learn of Marrazzo’s campaign and praised the local business owner.
“I would like to thank Mark Marrazzo for coming up with such a creative idea to show respect for the men and women in law enforcement,” said Venditto. “By giving away more than 500 bows, the ‘paint the town blue’ effort organized by Mark has allowed many of us here in Massapequa to show our support to those who wear blue and put their lives on the line by protecting us every day.”
Although the police department could not comment on this symbolic show of support, when one policeman was shown the blue bow and the sign that Bayview Florist had on their storefront, he had a big smile and said, “That’s just awesome!”
To all the men and women who work in the police force, we at Anton publications thank you and salute you for all of your work in keeping our communities safe.
To pick up your own blue bow in support of the police department, stop by Bayview Florist and Montage at 4736 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park or call 516-799-7222 for more information.
