‘Grand old’ Memorial Day luncheon for seniors at the Life Enrichment Center

Flags were flying and faces were full of cheer at the Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay’s annual Memorial Day Luncheon. The event saw dozens of veterans from every service branch and numerous wars eating, chatting and honoring the memories of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Before the luncheon officially began several veterans formed and marched in a traditional honor-guard procession into the dining hall. The honored guests, along with their spouses and some family members, enjoyed a large lunch spread prepared by the chefs at the center, while swapping stories and reminiscing with friends and fellow service-members old and new. 

Mary Frignani, the center’s program director, thanked all of the veterans for their service and attendance at the event. She also pointed out several important items on display honoring Memorial Day, from a poster painted by the center’s former watercolor art teacher to a hand-sewn American flag made by the first center members over 40 years ago.

The meals were also accompanied by music provided by pianist and long-time center member Joan Coester and Sam Lingen, a sophomore at Moravian University’s School of Music and grandson of center member and volunteer Pattie Morris, who gave a stirring rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The gathered veterans also sang along to the anthems of the various branches of service, from “The Marine’s Hymn” to “The U.S. Air Force.”

In addition to the numerous Korean and Vietnam War veterans, World War II veterans Richard Heinl and Lee Alexander, both of Muttontown, served as the guests of honor for the event. Heinl, an infantryman who fought in France and Germany, and Alexander, a Marine engineer who also served in Korea, were both honored by Assemblyman Chuck Lavine for their courageous service.

Lavine also thanked all of the attending veterans for their years of service to their country and reflected on their critical role in keeping the United States a free country. He also reminisced on the experiences of his parents and in-laws at the start of WWII, and how it was up to the next generations to continue that fight for freedom, both at home and abroad.

“I am sorry to say that many of my colleagues in government use language that is very inflammatory, that divides us,” Lavine added. “I think that in moments like these, we go back to the basics of what does being an American really mean.”