Home > News
North Hempstead’s Memorial Day Fireworks Honoring the Armed Forces Fallen Draws Largest Crowd Ever

 

For Immediate Release                                                                              Media Contacts: Collin Nash, Sid Nathan, and Jason Elan
June 2, 2011                                                                                                                                                                      (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead’s Memorial Day Fireworks Honoring the Armed Forces Fallen Draws Largest 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—greeted the throngs, officially kicking off a record-breaking crowd honoring the nation’s fallen troops.

Approximately 20,000 people flocked to North Hempstead’s annual fireworks Memorial Day commemoration on May 28, eclipsing last year’s 16,000-plus tally.

“We come here each year as a rite-of-summer tradition, as a community of family, friends and acquaintances spending time together,” Supervisor Kaiman said. “But we must never forget the real reason for this occasion: paying tribute to those in our armed forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom we hold so dear.”

Other officials sharing the stage with the Supervisor during the opening remarks echoed his sentiments.

“We thank all of you who decided to spend Memorial Day weekend here at North Hempstead Beach Park,” said Councilman Tom Dwyer. “It truly is an incredible sight to see thousands come together to pay tribute to those who have fallen as well as to spend time with their families on this beautiful weekend.”

Opening remarks by Town officials were followed by the presentation of the colors by the Second Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment of Garden City. Supervisor Kaiman, and the Town Board, accompanied by Boy Scouts Jack Williamson and Nicholas Gillespie from Carle Place Pack 305, led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

After a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by local singing sensation Christina Ames, a senior at the Wheatley School, a six-member firing detail from the US Volunteers of America Inc., 11th Regimen fired volleys in honor of the fallen veterans.

The Nassau County Police Department pipe band saluted the fallen troops with a musical tribute.

And acknowledging piano men Billy Joel and Elton John, tribute bands, Glass Houses and Early Elton, served up tasty servings of sing-along anthems.

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.

The impressive pyrotechnic show is just one reason Jimmy Brosnan, his wife Michelle and their daughters Erin and Kery keep coming back year after year.

“It’s a great family place and the event is always well organized,” said Jimmy Brosnan. “What I’m touched by most, however, is sharing in the heartfelt tribute to our fallen troops. Thanks to them, we can enjoy days like this.”



 Fireworks lit up the sky above North Hempstead Beach Park



Henry Haid and the Glasses Houses sing Billy Joel songs to the thousands gathered on the beach.



Child Looking at Fireworks: A child looks on with awe at North Hempstead’s 2011 Fireworks



Early Elton playing for a massive crowd at North Hempstead Beach Park.




Supervisor Jon Kaiman (fourth from left) welcomes the crowd along with ( L to R) Kristina Ames of Wheatley Highschool, Mary Mahaffey, North Hempstead Parks and Recreation, Boyscout Jack Williamson and Nicholas Gillespie for Carle Place, Councilman Angelo P. Ferrara, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Councilwoman Lee Seeman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross, and Receiver Charles Berman.


Kristina Ames, senior at the Wheatley High School, sings the national anthem at North Hempstead Memorial Day Fireworks 2011.



Veterans salute the flag in honor of those who died to defend America’s freedom.

 

View Archives