Sun shines on Memorial Day ceremony

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After a rain-filled weekend that threatened to intrude on the Memorial Day ceremony in Merrick on Monday, the sun broke through the clouds and shone down upon the veterans and residents who gathered.

While it was not the pomp-filled parade that is an annual tradition in the hamlet, the American Legion Post 1282 of Merrick hosted a ceremony next to the Veteran Memorial Park on Merrick Avenue. More than 100 filled the streets and listened to the messages of remembrance for those that have fallen.

“Most of us will never truly understand the depths of [soldiers’] despair unless we went through it ourselves,” Post Commander Bob Dishman said. “There is no such thing as a ‘small war.’”

Second Vice Commander Frank Pedagno led the
ceremony, with messages by Merrick Unit 1282 Auxiliary President Laura Lahood and the pledge of allegiance led by Post Chaplain James O’Neill.

Post member Eugene St. John read the names of the deceased as a bell was rung for each name. Wreaths were then placed in front of the memorial.

Members of the North Merrick Fire Department and the Merrick Fire Department drove their trucks down the street with flashing lights and echoing sirens.