Thursday, October 1, 2026
It’s May in Glen Cove, and spring is in the air. As we walk the streets of our city, we see beautiful flowers, trees in bloom, and lawns turning green. The longer days, warmer weather and fresh colors of the season give us all a renewed sense of hope and energy.
May is also a time when we feel a renewed sense of patriotism. It’s a month of remembrance, of gratitude and of community. In Glen Cove, patriotism isn’t just something we feel on national holidays; it’s something we live every day. You can see it in the military tribute banners that will soon line the paths of Morgan Park, in the solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at our local monuments, and in the meaningful gathering of our beloved Memorial Day Parade.
This year’s parade honoree is William Joseph Morse, a Glen Cover who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. His family remembers him as a local sports star, a protective brother and a proud soldier who answered the call to serve. The pain of that loss still resonates today. His story reminds us that behind every fallen hero is a family who continues to bear the weight of that sacrifice.
We are also proud to recognize our grand marshal, Tony Jimenez, a longtime Glen Cove resident, veteran, and advocate for fellow service members. Tony embodies what it means to serve not only through his military career, but also in his continued work supporting veterans in our community. We are deeply thankful for people like Tony, and for all veterans who have served our country in any capacity to defend our freedoms.
Glen Cove is home to many patriots. One of them is Eva Casale, who, along with her group Team EVA, runs seven marathons in seven days every year to raise money and awareness for veterans support services. She and the members of her team are selfless, dedicating much of their free time to train for this endeavor. Casale’s effort isn’t just a test of endurance, it is a testament to selflessness, love and honor. Each stop on her journey honors a veteran, and her final steps always bring her home to Glen Cove. The city is honored to be the final stop on this powerful mission, and proud to welcome her back year after year.
Patriotism is also alive and well in our City Hall. Recently we gathered in the council chambers to witness a moving tribute.
The Tribute and Honor Foundation, led by Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews and Ben Farnan, joined members of VFW Post 347 to present citations to two Glen Cove police officers, Derek and Owen Valance. These brothers, both Navy veterans, recently kayaked to raise funds for the Charles Evans Center to help expand its support services for veterans. As I said that day, Derek and Owen, who grew up in Glen Cove, were ordinary boys who became extraordinary men. After serving our country, they came home to serve our city, and we are so fortunate to have them as members of our Police Department.
They are not alone. Glen Cove police officers like D.J. Martone and Phil Grella continue to serve our country with honor in the reserves. Their dual commitment — first to country, now to city — is a living example of what patriotism looks like in practice.
Patriotism isn’t just a word we use on Memorial Day; it is something we live all year long. It’s in the way we care for our veterans, honor the fallen and teach our children to remember. It’s in every flag that flies, every parade we plan and every moment we stop to say thank you. When you see a veteran, stop for a moment and thank him or her for their service.
As we come together this Memorial Day, I hope each of us will take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices that have made them possible. Let’s honor those who gave their lives by living ours with purpose, gratitude and unity.
As my Grandpop Ollie always said, “Freedom isn’t free!”
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who serve — and to all who remember.
Wishing you and your families a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day.
Pamela D. Panzenbeck is mayor of Glen Cove.
