The ceremony, emceed by CDR Kirsten Trego, included the presentation of a shadow box of mementos from Lynch’s career, an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Lynch’s honor, and other personal gifts from his unit. Additionally, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-New York) State Sen. Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick), Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Nassau County Leg. Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) and Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy each issued citations and proclamations honoring Lynch’s service to his country.

Lynch is also a member of the USCG Pipe Band, as well as a bagpiper in the Amityville Highland Pipe Band (AHPB), Long Island’s oldest pipe and drum band, based out of American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa. Many of Lynch’s AHPB band-mates attended the event and played “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the program. Professional singer, Chief Kristine Rommel, a Coast Guard Reservist form Freeport, sang the “National Anthem.”

Lynch is optimistic his three decades of experience, knowledge and expertise from the USCG will translate to his post-retirement career, including his job with the New York State military forces unit.