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Light Drizzle Fog/Mist Appreciating past, present and future veterans
Hewlett-Woodmere holds an observance ceremony
The Hewlett-Woodmere communities didn’t have a Memorial Day parade last year or this year, but that is expected to change in 2013. Jamie Wysocki, owner of the Woodmere-based Dance Express, serves as the chairperson of the events committee for the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association and is spearheading the planning of a 2013 Memorial Day parade.
Despite having no parade this year, Wysocki, an Oceanside resident, decided to reach out to the Hewlett-Woodmere Endowment Fund — an organization that raises money to support district programs — to see if the community would like to host a Memorial Day observance ceremony this year.
“I asked [Hewlett-Woodmere Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bisso] and the district put out flyers and the idea took off,” Wysocki said. “There’s a beautiful turnout.”
The lawn of the Woodmere Education Center, where the May 23 ceremony took place, was dotted with more than 70 flags purchased by residents. The flags represent a loved one that is still actively serving, has served in the military or is deceased.
Woodmere resident Patty Roblin purchased two flags at a cost of $25 each to honor her father who fought in World War II and a friend who served in Vietnam. “What has happened is that we don’t remember the reason we’re all here and freedom is not free,” she said. “Year after year the town hasn’t had a Memorial Day parade and the idea Jamie had was wonderful.”
Wysocki said she took the observance ceremony idea from Oceanside that holds a similar annual event. She also wanted to pay tribute to those who are serving in the country’s military. “My husband is in Afghanistan until the end of the summer,” she said. “I want to honor those who are here with us and those that have left. If I do something good hopefully it will be a chain reaction.”
Sarah Howe, a fifth grader at Ogden Elementary, said Memorial Day is a time to remember people who have fought in the war. “We had a soldier come visit our class and talked to us about his experience,” she said.
World War II Veteran Sidney Seller and state adjutant and past senior department commander for Disabled American Veterans said he has devoted himself to remembering those who have served our country.
