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Mostly Cloudy Wantagh honors veterans with Field of Honor
One hundred American flags are displayed outside the Wantagh Museum for the second annual Field of Honor, which wad dedicated during a ceremony on May 29.
The 6-12 Association and Wantagh Preservation Society teamed up to allow families to honor their loved ones with a flag. This year, the number of participating families doubled from 50 to 100. Those honoring a veteran made a $20 donation in return for a flag displayed on the field. Donations went to the 6-12 Association, which awards student scholarships and funds school events.
“It’s really not about the fundraising, though,” said 6-12 member, Julie Argueta. “It’s about the tribute to our veterans, both living and deceased.”
While this is the Field of Honor’s second year, it was the first time that contributing families were invited to participate in the ceremony. They received one ribbon for each veteran being honored with the honoree’s name printed on it. During the ceremony, the families tied the ribbons to a flag.
Nadine Macchia honored her father-in-law, Salvatore Macchia, alongside her husband, Keith, and son, Salvatore. Salvatore Macchia served in the U.S. Navy in the 1950s, and died in December 2007. He was honored in last year’s Field of Honor, but Nadine said she was happy to be a part of the tribute this time around.
“It was a beautiful, touching ceremony,” she said. “This is a great way to reflect on what our men and women sacrifice for our freedom.”
Her son, Salvatore, who was named for his grandfather, added that he had never been to a ceremony like this, and the organizers did a great job. It was both a nice and sad ceremony, he said.
The tribute began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Wantagh High School Choral Ensemble’s performance of the National Anthem. Boy Scout Troop 656 arrived with a color guard and Scout James Seaman played taps. The families then had the opportunity to tie the ribbons onto the flags.
Flags will remain on the field until July 5. The day before, families are invited to pick up new flags — one for each veteran honored — at the American Legion Post in Wantagh.
“It’s a huge community event and a nice honor for the veterans,” said Karen Chowske, president of Preservation Society.
When Chowske was approached by 6-12 members Argueta and Vivian Fitzgerald, she quickly agreed it was a great idea to display the flags in front of the museum, located on Wantagh Avenue.
“Between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, I hope people pass by, remember, and know it means something,” Fitzgerald said.
Argueta added that the Field of Honor has always been a dream of hers. She recalls seeing these ceremonies take place in neighboring towns and wanting the same show of patriotism in Wantagh, where she has lived her whole life. Events like these, she said, make her proud of her community.
Nadine Macchia agreed that the Field of Honor dedication ceremony was a very patriotic event that brought the community together in remembrance. “It’s something every town should have,” she said. “My family and I will do this every year.”
