For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Collin Nash and Sid Nathan
June 3, 2010 (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead Memorial Day Fireworks Draw Biggest Crowd Ever
North Hempstead, NY--North Hempstead Beach Park teamed with thousands of picnickers as Supervisor Jon Kaiman—flanked by members of the Town Board, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, State Senator Craig Johnson, and US Senator Charles Schumer—kicked off what wound up as North Hempstead’s biggest Memorial Day weekend tribute to date: the 2010 fireworks beach fest honoring the nation’s fallen soldiers.
More than 16,500 people flocked to the May 29 festivities, eclipsing last year’s 15,000 tally.
“Memorial day is about honoring those who fought for us and died for us,” Kaiman said. “Over generations, families like those here today have given their sons and daughters to defend us. Awed by their selfless sacrifice, today we pay tribute to every last one of them.”
Other officials sharing the stage with the Supervisor during the opening remarks echoed his sentiments.
“Think about the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice as you enjoy this day with your families and friends,” State Senator Johnson, said, holding his infant daughter Lucy in his arms.
US Senator Charles Schumer reminded the audience that “As we speak, thousands are risking their lives to protect the freedom we treasure. So on this day, we honor all those who have fallen, from the Revolutionary Wars to Afghanistan to Iraq. We respect and treasure your sacrifice.”
The opening remarks were followed by the presentation of the colors by the Second Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment of Garden City. Lance Cpl. Christopher Ordonez, who recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and Cpl, Nancy Molina, both of the Communications Battalion in Brooklyn, led the pledge of allegiance. After a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by local singing sensation Gabrielle Ross, a six-member firing detail from the US Volunteers of America Inc., 11th Regimen fired volleys in honor of the fallen veterans.
Tribute bands, Desert Highway and Tramps Like Us, served up the music of the Eagles and Bruce Springsteen
A North Hempstead tradition since the mid ‘80s, the spectacular fireworks launched at darkness from barges in the harbor dazzled onlookers as barrage after barrage of rockets, choreographed to a medley of US military music, exploded into giant blossoms across the night sky.
First-timers, Tina Grosso of New Hyde Park, a family friend of Christopher Ordonez, said she and granddaughter Alisiana Rios came primarily to support him.
“I’m having a great time,” Grosso said, adding that she couldn’t wait to get to the icing on the cake: “the fireworks.”
Supervisor Jon Kaiman honors those who lost their lives in service to our nation at North Hempstead’s 2010 Memorial Day Fireworks.