Community Corner
Sound Beach Memorial Day Observance
"To honor those who gave up their tomorrows so we could have ours."
The Sound Beach Civic Association’s Annual Memorial Day Services kicked off at noon Monday in bright sun after a morning that had been rainy and cool. There were remarks about the more temperate weather being directed by “the man upstairs.” At any rate, the blessings on this day were from those still on Earth.
Civic Association President William Pellenz, Jr. said. “We are here to honor those who gave up their tomorrows so we could have ours.”
New York State Senator Ken Lavalle offered that alongside the fact “we have been fortunate to have countrymen who have fought for us, some giving up their lives, there are children born never knowing a parent.” He added, “We are the envy of the world because of what we have been given.”
This was elaborated on by St. Louis DeMontfort Church Deacon Joe Bartolotto who gave the Invocation. He read a praise of America by a Vietnamese refugee: “America is not a place on a map, it is a concept. It is about freedom, not about free stuff.”
The refugee sought asylum in the U.S., became a citizen, and had this to say, comparing his prior life to his new one: “The difference between communism and America is an AK-47 aimed at your head.”
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker told the crowd her appreciation of our military was definitely homegrown. “I was a Navy brat.” She added later, “We are one, creating a whole.”
Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner thanked those in attendance. “We [public officials] are paid to be here. You are not. We as Americans understand great service and great sacrifice.”
Brookhaven Town Deputy Highway Supervisor Lori Baldassare said, “It is important that we have volunteers to make memorials like this.”
The Rocky Point High School Department was in full force. Zach Krase sung “The Star Spangled Banner.” Music Department Chair Amy Schecher played with and led the High School Brass Quintet in “America the Beautiful.”
After the raising of the flags of the various branches of the service by veterans or family members, there was a wreath presentation courtesy of Mike Malkames of Malkames Florist, in memory of his father’s WWII service.
Pellenz spoke of those from the area who had served in war and died: William Binder, 22, and Stewart Carroll, 21, WWII; Joseph DeGennaro, 23, Bruce Kerndl, 22, Charles Prchal, 20, Vietnam; Kerry Hein, 28, Desert Storm I; Peter Hahn, 31, Iraq.
Their ages mark how much of their future they lost.
Introducing Matt Hart of Rocky Point High School, who would play taps, Pellenz said, “A soldier never wants to hear taps in daylight. That means a soldier has fallen, God is nigh, opening the gates of Heaven.”
And so Hart played the dirge in the hot sun.
