Valley Streamers remember the fallen

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Hundreds lined Rockaway Avenue on Monday to watch as veterans and members of local organizations passed by in Valley Stream’s annual Memorial Day parade.

“It was the largest turnout that I can remember,” Mayor Ed Fare told the Herald. “And, thankfully, the number of residents that stayed at Veterans Memorial Plaza was the largest in years.”

As part of the ceremony, local officials read the names of the more than 90 Valley Streamers who perished in war. “Their names will live on, and their memories will never be forgotten,” Fare told the audience. “We must ensure that future generations know that freedom comes at a price.”

Jack Sharkey, a Korean War veteran, was also honored that day with a citation from Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. He said he was “very, very honored,” but asked residents to “say a few words for those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice” when they went home.