MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES IN SEA CLIFF, GLEN HEAD AND GLENWOOD PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED 

On Monday morning, both Sea Cliff and Glen Head/Glenwood observed Memorial Day in traditional fashion - each with a parade and ceremony paying tribute to veterans, current services members, and to those who gave the last full measure of devotion to this country.  

In Sea Cliff, after a brief service at Memorial Park, marchers made their way along Sea Cliff, Roslyn and Glen Avenues to Clifton Park where parade participants and spectators gathered for a ceremony presided over by Phil Como, Commander of James F. Brengel American Legion Post #456. 

In addition to Mr. Como, veterans, children, local clergy, and elected officials all played central roles in the morning’s events with veterans Ted Kopczynski acting as Deputy Marshal, and Scott Whitting leading participants in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Musical performances were provided by local talent, with Sea Cliff resident and veteran Ray Pierce giving a moving rendition of America the Beautiful;  the North Shore Middle School Band playing the Star Spangled Banner, Girl Scout Troops 56 and 42 singing You’re a Grand Old Flag, and Katherine Virgilio concluding with a powerful God Bless America.

Additionally, Sea Cliff Elementary 4th Graders Daniel Boratin, and Evelyn McCreery read their winning entries for the James F. Brengel Post #456 essay contest for which students were asked to write in response to the prompt “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”

During the ceremony, special recognition was offered to five Sea Cliff residents - Bernie McGrath, Charles Bell, John Kle, George Christman, and Nino Luciano - for their service during World War II, as well as to residents Greg Knox, Tom Boehm, Eddie Murray, Michael Ragusa, Ian Memeniman, Brian Memeniman, and Cole Muttee, who were honored for answering the call to duty in more recent years.  Andy Martone,  and Bob Krabel, both of whom  served in the Korean Conflict, and who passed away during the past year, were honored in memoriam.

As the service neared its conclusion, Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy offered his thoughts on Memorial Day.  "Today is the day we dedicate to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no soldiers will ever have to die for us again," he said. "It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in their graves.  It’s a day to be with the family and remember."