Traditional Sunday Memorial Day Ceremony Limited to Veterans Advisory Board, Closed to Public and Press Due to New York State Limits on Gatherings, Video to be Distributed
Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps to Play Taps on Veterans Plaza, Centerport Beach, Crab Meadow Beach, Hobart Beach and Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach on Memorial Day Monday
The Town of Huntington will honor our fallen service men and women in a Memorial Day commemoration that will include a brief ceremony televised on Memorial Day and throughout the following week due to the limitation on public gatherings required by New York State Executive Orders.
SUNDAY: CLOSED Memorial Day Ceremony
In adherence to New York State’s limit on public gatherings, a brief ceremony limited to members of the Veterans Advisory Board, practicing social distancing and other safety protocols, will take place on Sunday, May 24 and consist of a flag raising and lowering; the Pledge of Allegiance; remarks by Veterans Advisory Board members; placement of wreaths on the World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, and Women’s Veteran Monuments and to honor our troops in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts; followed by Taps played on the bugle. After this ceremony, those at the limited gathering will walk over to the Village Green to lay two wreaths on the memorial honoring those servicemembers killed in action in Vietnam.
The ceremony will be recorded by the Town and distributed to the media along with prerecorded Memorial Day messages from Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci and members of the Town Board.
Residents may watch the video commemoration starting on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020 and throughout the holiday week on the Town’s government access TV channels Optimum 18 and FIOS 38, on the Town’s website at huntingtonny.gov and on the Town’s social media channels.
MONDAY: Townwide Memorial Day Taps Remembrance
At 12:00 PM on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, to honor our fallen servicemembers, the Town of Huntington has coordinated an event with the Long Island Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps, whose members will play Taps at the following locations throughout the Town:
- Huntington Town Hall, Veterans Plaza, 100 Main Street, Huntington
- Centerport Beach, Little Neck Road, Centerport
- Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Avenue, Northport
- Hobart Beach, Birmingham Drive, Eaton's Neck
- Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach, West Neck Road, Lloyd Harbor
Members of the public must social distance at Town beaches and wear a mask or face covering when not distancing six (6) feet or more.
Founded on Long Island in 1954 the Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps is an all-age competitive field corps. The Corps has a proud history of innovation and excellence that have led to seven World Championships, and numerous honors over its 66-year history. Drum & Bugle Corps and the military have a strong connection. From the sounds of the drum while units were on the march to the calls of the bugle, the playing of TAPS to honor our veterans who have passed has a major significance.
With COVID-19, all drum corps across the nation are on a pause from the competition field. The Sunrisers Organization sprang into action shortly after NY Pause to offer weekly group rehearsals via ZOOM in addition to other one on one virtual instruction. The first phase of the summer program will culminate with a virtual Fourth of July Parade. The group hopes to meet once again in person when it is safe. Many families from across Long Island are having difficulties that include financial stress during these times. With that in mind, the Sunrisers are offering this program free of charge. For more information visit SunrisersDrumCorps.org or call Executive Director David Hobart at (516) 962-1154.
ALSO MONDAY: CLOSED Memorial Day Ceremonies
To honor and to never forget the brave men and women of our military who died in service to our Country, Huntington veterans organizations, including Nathan Hale VFW Post #1469, Elwood/Commack VFW Post #9263, Huntington American Legion Post #360, Greenlawn American Legion Post #1244, and Northport American Legion Post #694, will all be placing wreaths, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, in their respective communities. No attendance will be permitted as the Governor’s Executive Order allows a maximum of 10 attendees and a limited number of these organizations’ members will be participating.
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