Senator Martins Marches in Mineola Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 30, the Mineola community commemorated Memorial Day with a parade that began at Wilson Park and ended in Mineola Memorial Park. The parade was led by American Legion Post #349 Commander Sal Cataldo and member of the Legion as well as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1305 Commander Manny Grilo and members of the VFW.

It was a day in which residents and organizations braved near 90 degree heat to say thank you to the veterans who have fought to preserve our freedom. Among the residents that marched in the parade were Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss, Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira and State Senator Jack M. Martins.

Among the others who took part in the ceremonies were “Mr. Mineola” John DaVanzo, World War II veterans Ray Vaz and Joe DiGiorgio, Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Pastor Chet Easton, members of the Mineola Fire Department and Patrick Tobin from the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Commanders Cataldo and Grillo spoke about the price of freedom. Many veterans paid that price by making the ultimate sacrifice while others were badly wounded. Our country continues to live free because of the sacrifices of veterans as well as those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

“It doesn’t seem to be enough, but all I can say to our veterans is thank you,” said Deputy Mayor Pereira.

“Many sacrificed their lives for our freedom. They did not die in vain. We will never forget,” said Mayor Strauss.

“It’s great to be home on Memorial Day when we say thank you to our veterans – those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have departed and those who are still with us. But we shouldn’t just remember and say thank you on Memorial Day, but every day since each day will live free is a tribute to our veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces,” said Senator Martins.

At the end of the ceremony, Steven Stolarik of the Mineola Fire Department played Taps in honor of our fallen heroes as wreaths were placed around the Veterans Monument in Memorial Park.