Rockville Centre observes Memorial Day at Rec Center

Rain cancels parade, but doesn't dampen festivities

Posted Thursday, June 1, 2017 3:07 pm

Both Boy and Girl Scouts came to honor the country’s service men and women.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Daniel Brandi, Korean War veteran, former Rockville Centre police officer and this year’s Rockville Centre Memorial Day grand marshal, carried the ceremonial wreath to its resting place at the Veterans Memorial Park in front of the Recreation Center. Active Army service member Tom Forman looked on.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

State Senator Todd Kaminsky shook hands with World War II veteran John Lamonica, 94, a previous Memorial Day grand marshal who served in North Africa and Europe and was a prisoner of war for 18 months.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Mayor Francis X. Murray recited the lyrics to the Toby Keith song “American Soldier” in honor of the country’s fallen service members.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Rockville Centre American Legion Post 303 Commander Frank Colon, left, with Grand Marshal Daniel Brandi and village police Commissioner Charles Gennario.

Peter Belfiore/Herald

By Peter Belfiore

Roughly 100 Rockville Centre residents, servicemen, women and veterans gathered at the Recreation Center on Memorial Day this year to perform the somber ritual of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Despite rain cancelling the parade, the ceremony went on, with 2017’s grand marshal, Daniel Brandi, leading the proceedings. Brandi served in the Korean War aboard the United States heavy cruiser U.S.S. St. Paul, where he participated in the longest naval blockade in American history at 861 days.

The 86-year-old also served as a sergeant in the Rockville Centre Police Department for 22 years before his retirement. 30 men were killed aboard the St. Paul when one of its 8-inch gun turrets exploded and nearly destroyed the entire ship. During his speech, Brandi lamented the fact that he had returned home to start a family and make his mark on society when his fellow shipmates could not.

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Rockville Centre observes Memorial Day at Rec Center

Rain cancels parade, but doesn't dampen festivities

HELP SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

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