Huntington Honors Those Lost in Wars

The Town of Huntington honored those killed in wars at a wreath-laying ceremony Sunday at Town Hall’s Veterans Plaza.

The ceremony in the packed plaza was a reminder that the Monday’s holiday commemorates those lost in war, and is distinct from Veterans Day, when all who served in the military are recognized.

Town officials and leaders of veterans organizations spoke at the ceremony presided over by Bill Ober, who heads the town’s veterans advisory board.

Veterans laid wreaths at the monuments honoring service through several wars, including World War I, World War II,  Korea, Vietnam,  Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as women veterans.

Gold Star mother Constance Mangano also placed a wreath in memory of her son, New York National Guard Spec. Anthony L. Mangano, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

The ceremony was one of several commemorations this weekend. On Monday, instead of one consolidated parade, organizations are planning several smaller events:

Greenlawn, 9 a.m. The American Legion Post 1244 will parade from the corner of West Maple Road and Broadway to Greenlawn Memorial Park at Pulaski Road and Broadway for a service,

Centerport, 9:30 a.m. The Centerport Fire Department will gather at Station 1 on Grant Street  and proceed to the HBCA Memorial Park at the corner of Taft Crescent for a memorial commemoration.

Northport, 10 a.m.. American Legion Post 694 will the parade, which starts  at the  Brosnan building on Laurel Avenue, and turns onto Main Street to the park.

Elwood-Commack, 10 a.m. VFW Post 9263 will lead the parade, which starts at Larkfield Road and Jericho Turnpike.

East Northport, noon . The parade will begin at the IGA parking lot on Larkfield Road and Clay Pitts, and finish at  John Walsh Memorial Park, next to the Northport-East Northport Library.

Huntington, noon. The American Legion Huntington Post 360 will parade at noon. The route is along Main Street, west to east, between West Neck Road and Stewart Avenue.

Keep an eye on the weather, though, if you’re trying to enjoy the three-day weekend. There’s a chance of showers, and thunderstorms possible after 3pm.