East Meadow Fire Department honors the fallen

Memorial Day 2016 was less than colorful, as the preceding evening’s rainfall set the stage for stormy, grey skies — and the cancellation of the annual East Meadow parade the next morning. But the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the East Meadow Fire Department, which paid tribute to the men and women of the nation’s military once again at a special ceremony.

The early morning event included the lowering of the flag to half-staff as firefighters, juniors and the Ladies Auxiliary saluted in unison to the sound of taps. They soon turned to the memorial bell at EMFD headquarters, reflecting on the lives of their own members who passed in the last year.

In a solemn tribute, officials said wreathes were set in the ground by representatives of the chiefs, Board of Fire Commissioners, Benevolent Association and Ladies Auxiliary. Chief John M. McGee and Commissioner Michael L. Finkelman also delivered speeches about the meaning of Memorial Day.

East Meadow leaders said the department boasts nearly two-dozen members who have also dedicated their lives to the Marines, Army, Navy and/or Coast Guard. Officials noted that, in the department’s membership, one could find at least one individual who served each conflict of the past fifty years.

The morning was capped off with a convoy to the firefighter’s memorial in Eisenhower Park. Here, officials said EMFD volunteers lined up to salute four members who died in the line of duty.

While department officials said they were disappointed that they were unable to show the community their clean and polished equipment in the parade because of poor weather, they noted that they were honored to show support for members of the armed forces and recognize the sacrifices they’ve made to keep the country safe and the nation’s borders secure. Although this year’s service was unique because of the rainy conditions, officials said the department has marked Memorial Day with some sort of formal ceremony for more than 60 years.