Town honors fallen heroes at beach event

Fireworks display over Hempstead Harbor marks Memorial Day for thousands attending

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Thousands of people gathered at North Hempstead Beach Park Saturday to mark Memorial Day and observe a display of fireworks above Hempstead Harbor.

The beach was filled with chairs and umbrellas, kids playing beach volleyball and youngsters running in the sand as residents enjoyed the sunshine and listened to live music of covers such as “Valerie” and “Africa.”

Food trucks were strewn throughout the walkways, offering Sausage Kings, Trini Bites, ice cream and freshsqueezed lemonade.

The activities kicked off with a Memorial Day performance by the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, which rallied the attendees to honor veterans, active military members and those killed in wars.

The United States Marine Corps League of Port Washington presented the colors as pipes and drums played.

“It’s a special and memorable time here in the town when we are able to honor and commemorate our veterans and the fallen heroes who fought to protect our freedom here in Amer- ica and to also honor their families,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said.

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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Parks and Service Unit, which was then followed by the National Anthem sung by Anoush Hogan, a Manhasset High School alumnus and a junior at