A day to honor those who preserved our freedom

Memorial Day, a day to honor those who offered and still offer their service to this nation, was celebrated with the annual Lawrence-Cedarhurst parade on May 28.

It began at the Lawrence-Cedarhurst firehouse, where there was a brief ceremony and “Taps” was played before continuing down Central Avenue until finally reaching Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park.

The procession included celebrated war veterans as well as the Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Atlantic Beach, Hewlett, Inwood, and Woodmere fire departments. The Lawrence High School Marching Band, Five Towns Brownie Troop 720, Cub Scout Pack 20, Cedarhurst Little League, Five Towns Community Chest, the Order of Sons of Italy in America, and the Ancient order of Hibernians, also marched in the parade.

Central and Cedarhurst avenues were crowded with onlookers, who lined the streets to watch the parade as it made its way down Central Avenue. They cheered and clapped as the veterans and groups passed by.

The flag was placed at half-mast when the parade entered the park. Andrew J, Parise, the mayor of Cedarhurst, presided over the ceremony, which included an invocation by Rev. Msgr. Paul Rahilly, a blessing by Pastor Mary Chang, the reading of a Veterans Plaque, and the placing of a memorial wreath at the base of the flagpole, which was accompanied by another rendition of “Taps.” There were also performances by singers from Lawrence High School, who performed songs such as the “Star-spangled Banner” and others including “Amazing Grace” and “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

Rob Bencal of Oyster Bay was at the ceremony with his wife and two daughters. “This day is about remembering those who have passed away and honoring them and current veterans for their service,” said Bencal, who is a grandson of Mayor Parise. Bencal’s daughters waved American Flags and said they loved seeing those who marched in uniform.

At the parade in his official capacity as Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department Chief, Joseph Sperber, was also with his wife and newborn twin boys.

“Memorial Day is more than a day of remembrance,” Sperber said. “It is so we don’t forget those who kept us safe and preserved our freedom. It is nice that the neighboring fire departments could be here to participate.”