The names of each Valley Stream resident killed in action in our nation's wars was read aloud as a procession of veterans, village officials and others placed flowers in memory of those who gave their lives for freedom. Ceremonies were also held at the post on Sunday at the post and at the Brooklyn Avenue School in remembrance of all those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country.
Memorial services were held in Valley Stream throughout the weekend, at Central High School on Saturday, at the American Legion Andrew Fatscher Post 854 and the Brooklyn Avenue School on Sunday, and at the Legion post on Memorial Day, co-sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790.
Instead of the outdoor ceremonies that would have been held at the Village Memorial on Valley Stream Boulevard had the weather been less inclement, the Legion and the VFW hosted a special memorial observance in the Legion Hall, presided over by Jerry Hahn, who would have been parade chairman, along with Gregory Feist, co-chairman and commander of the VFW.
On hand for Monday's ceremonies were village and town officials, including Town Councilman James Darcy, Mayor Edward Cahill, village trustees Richard Coffman and Joanne Antun and Deputy Mayor Guido Cirenza.
Central High School's war dead were remembered on Saturday in front of the school by the Central's Alumni Association.
The alumni gathered on the steps of Central to memorialize the dozens of alumni "who made the supreme sacrifice," while serving during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
The services took place at 11 a.m. on May 24 despite the forecast of rain. Each name etched on the two plaques outside the school was read. Those gathered sang "America the Beautiful." The Western Long Island Detachment of the Marine Corps League provided a color guard and air-rifle salute for the ceremony and Louis Tedesco, a Central senior, volunteered to play "Taps" on his trumpet for the occasion.
The American Legion held ceremonies at the post on Sunday, as well, and also visited the Brooklyn Avenue School's memorial for services with children.
