Field of Flags raised at Fayette School

For the second year in a row, the Harold D. Fayette School’s front lawn is blanketed in red, white and blue.

Now an annual event, the North Merrick School District hosted a Field of Flags on May 16. The patriotic day sees the gathering of the community, from representatives and veterans to girl and cub scouts.

James O’Neill, commander of the American Legion Post 1282, had been in the hospital weeks prior for a hip surgery, he said in a speech to the group. “They told me I might miss it,” he said, “but I said, ‘No I won’t!’ This has become one of my favorite days of the year.”

With O’Neill were veterans Gene Lowenberg, Joe Ambersino, Ken Braun and Bob Dishman.

Also enjoying the sunny weather were North Merrick Cub Scout Pack 206; Girl Scout Troops 2089, 2251 and 2466; Legislator Tom McKevitt; Hempstead Clerk Sylvia Cabana; and Assemblyman Dave McDonough.