Valley Stream to hold drive-by Memorial Day service

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Memorial Day is typically one of Valley Stream’s largest events of the year. Rivaling only Community Fest in size, the national day of remembrance for the country’s fallen soldiers joins various local civic, veterans and school groups as well as government officials in organizing a three-day slate of activities, with a parade that typically draws hundreds to Rockaway Avenue.

Like so many traditions this year, however, the coronavirus has upended yet another. There will be no parades, barbecues, or large gatherings of any kind, but as a modest replacement, the village, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have organized a memorial service on the Village Green, where residents can participate from the safety of their cars.

At 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25 at the Valley Stream Veterans Memorial on the corner of Hicks Street and Valley Stream Boulevard, the village will be holding a memorial service where those interested can pull up and park to pay their respects.

“On Memorial Day I always point out that the true meaning of observing this day is to honor the war dead,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “ . . . Parades and barbecues are nice, but they are not solely what this day should be about.”

The ceremony will consist of a solemn reading of the names of all Valley Streamer killed in service to the United States armed forces. Fare said those fearful of attending will be able to watch a recording of the event online.

“In any case, on Memorial Day, pause, stop and remember those who served in the military and never made it home,”
he said.