The Village of New Hyde Park, held its annual Memorial Day tribute despite a torrential downpour and while maintaining social distancing guidelines. The village cancelled its usual parade, but insisted upon continuing the important community tradition of honoring their fallen sons.
Organized by members of the American Legion, the names of the young men from New Hyde Park who gave their lives in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan wars were read in front of Village Hall. A wreath was placed at the memorial, taps were played, and the National Anthem was sung. Several villagers turned out at Village Hall, braving the harsh weather conditions to pay their respects.
The tribute continued to Memorial Park, were a prayer was said, led by American Legion Commander John McGuire. A wreath was laid at the monuments on Hero’s Walk at Memorial Park by VFW Commander, Mario Obertis, while Mrs. Obertis sounded taps. Deputy Mayor Donna Squicciarino, Trustee Richard Pallisco and Trustee Rainer Burger joined Mayor Lawrence Montreuil in the tribute, representing the people of New Hyde Park who were otherwise absent from the venue. The village board was honored to be joined by Senator Anna Kaplan, NYS Assemblymen Ed Ra, and Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Richard Nicolello to honor the fallen.
In his brief remarks at Memorial Park, Mayor Montreuil stated “…we will never forget the sacrifice made by the 56 heroes from New Hyde Park.”
