PHOTOS: Remembering the fallen and honoring legends of Island Park

The Village of Island Park honored its many fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, followed by the rededication of Masone Beach after World War II veteran, former Superintendent of Public Works for 73 years and Island Park Fire Department member for 62 years Michael Masone. Hundreds of residents, organizations and public officials paraded down the Island Park streets and then to the beach for the ceremony.

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito sent a statement to the Herald about his hometown Memorial Day celebration, “Island Park is an incredible community full of proud neighbors who always go above and beyond to honor the lives of brave American military servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country. I am proud to represent such a patriotic community on Capitol Hill.”

D’Esposito always reflected on the life of Masone, “Michael Masone was an incredible man whose legacy continues to leave an overwhelmingly positive mark here in Island Park. Today, I wear his ex. Chief’s badge, and I am absolutely elated that we are rededicating Masone Beach in his honor.”

Island Park mayor Michael McGinty said, “Our annual Memorial Day Parade is a beautiful yet somber day, our whole community pauses and says thank you to all those who have laid down their lives for our freedoms. I am always taken aback at how our whole Island Park family realizes the importance and significance of this day.”

He said of Masone, “Honoring Michael Masone after the Memorial Day Parade is so very fitting, ‘Uncle Mike’ was a valiant WWII veteran and spent weeks before Memorial Day Weekend planning and getting our village ready for the parade. Growing up we called him ‘The Hawk,’ he didn’t miss a beat! I remember my days as a lifeguard on the beach, when Uncle Mike was around everyone was on their best behavior.”

Past U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato was also in attendance, he stated, “The Island Park Memorial Day Parade is a terrific homecoming for me. I’ve marched in this parade almost every year, and all these years later the true meaning of the day, our fallen service members, is at the forefront of the minds of the participants.”

He called Masone, “the heart and soul of Island Park, he truly lived out what it is to be an Island Parker. He never stopped, if there was something to be done, or someone who needed help Mike was there. He was a great friend, and helped so many young people of the community, always ready to give another chance and teach another lesson. We have to make sure his legacy lives on.”