Lynbrook, East Rockaway Memorial Day ceremonies honor the fallen

The villages of Lynbrook and East Rockaway each commemorated Memorial Day on Monday with parades to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.

In Lynbrook, members of the Fire Department, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Junior Fire Department gathered at the LFD memorial, on Sunrise Highway and Earle Avenue, to remember four Lynbrook volunteer firefighters who were killed in action overseas during World War II.

Veterans also gathered at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2307 to remember those who have died.

The parade began at McDonald’s, 121 Merrick Road, and traveled to Forest, Stauderman and Atlantic avenues, then to Columbus Drive. It concluded with a ceremony at the Doughboy Monument.

“The parade was well attended,” veteran Bill Marinaccio said. “There were more residents lining the streets and attending the memorial service at the Doughboy than in past years.”

Members of the Marine Corps led the parade. Veterans, Little League teams, the LFD, the village’s Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lynbrook High School band, the wrestling team and students from Our Lady of Peace School marched.

In East Rockaway, elected officials worked with the village’s various veterans organizations to plan the parade. Members of the Fire Department assembled to remember a former volunteer firefighter who died in service. There was also a ceremony held at St. Raymond’s Church.

The parade began at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, at 164 Main Street, and traveled to Ocean, Centre, Atlantic and Woods avenues.