Community Corner

RVC Remembers on Memorial Day

Village hosts memorial service for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

After those who marched in the Memorial Day parade on Monday morning made their way down Maple Avenue, the celebration concluded with a somber service at the recreation center, where more than 100 residents gathered to remember those who have died so that we may live in freedom.

Grand Marshall of the parade, Father John McCarthy, said Memorial Day was, "our most sacred holiday," and urged those in attendance to spend the day remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

"It is our solemn responsibility to remember them," he said. "Today, remember the faces of those forever young."

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McCarthy, who served in the Armed Forces, recollected on Lt. Ron Winchester, a Rockville Centre resident who died during a battle in Afghanistan in 2004. He said when Winchester was being carried off the battlefield, he told those around him to "take care of my marines."

"We get to live for the price of their lives," McCarthy said. "Freedom is not free. We must prove ourselves worthy. Dedicate ourselves to building a society that promotes peace and justice. Honor the dead and serve those who lived. Don't let them fadeaway. They gave all their tomorrows, so that we can have today."

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Mayor Mary Bossart reminded residents that there are village families who still struggle with the pain of lost family members, and they can't be forgotten. "Let us remember the families, who continue to carry the burden of lost loved ones," she said.

Sen. Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre, echoed Bossart's sentiments. "To all those who make this community great, we say thank you," Skelos said.

The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute by the members of the police department and American Legion Post No. 303, and a laying of wreaths around the memorial site at the recreation center. 


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