Longwood’s Vets and Active Service Members Honored

Middle Island’s Bartlett Park was the site of the 2009 Veteran’s Day observance to honor the men and women of Longwood who served our nation in war and peace.

The blustery weather did not deter the several dozen community members who attended and participated in the ceremonies.  The event was sponsored by the Longwood Alliance, and organized and hosted by President Gail Lynch-Bailey.  Speakers included Middle Island Civic president Tom Talbot, Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert, and Longwood Board of Education members Dan Tomaszewski and Maureen Silvestri.

Special recognition was offered on behalf of Longwood veterans John C. McMahon and Jerome Dellibovi, both of whom passed away in October 2009.  Their pictures are shown on the cover of the attached flyer.  Opening and closing prayers were offered by Desert Storm veteran Jim Dowling and Coram Fire Department veteran Tom Lyon, respectively.

Middle Island Boy Scout Troop 433 served as color guard and accompanied the laying of the wreath with TAPS.  The scouts also performed the Air Force’s flag folding ceremony under the direction of Scoutmaster Ed Heinrichs.

Honored guests included veterans who served in WW-2, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.  Something rather amazing happened when Kate Browning asked the vets in attendance to come forward, introduce themselves and say where they’d served.  Two gentlemen announced they’d just discovered they’d served together in WWII under General George Patton, each having seen action during the Battle of the Bulge.

Recognition was also offered to the more than 50  Longwood graduates who are currently serving in the various armed forces around the world.

Thanks also go to the Town of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department, TOB Public Safety for their capable support of the event, and Myra Vaughn of the Longwood CSD.