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This was a very different Memorial Day from those past. Only one of Brian Kenny’s floats was present. No marchers came down Plandome Road. No bands played. No small children waving American Flags adorned the Parade route. As New York began the process of re-opening from the pandemic, a small group from the American Legion Family and some residents of Manhasset gathered to remember those veterans who gave all in the service of our country and those veterans who are no longer with us. Armed with gloves and masks, those present remained socially distant while listening to the introduction by Commander Peter Killian and to the reading of the names of those who had served in our Armed Forces but passed away since Memorial Day 2019. Vice Commander James Brooks placed a wreath on the Gold Star Monument and Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas Buzzitta raised the Flags while Dennis Klainberg played Taps. All then left in the manner they had arrived – with dignity and respect, acutely aware of the sacrifices that had been made.
Veterans of Manhasset American Legion Post 304
Members of Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304
Commander Peter Killian began the ceremony and Chaplain James Sharkey read the names of veterans who had passed since May 2019
Vice Commander James Brooks laid the Wreath
Sergeant-at-Arms Thomas Buzzitta raised the American Flag and the POW Flag as Dennis Klainberg played Taps
Our Thanks to Brian Kenny for the beautiful Float
TAPS ACROSS AMERICA
The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. It is especially poignant this year, given that our many remembrance ceremonies and parades will not take place because of the pandemic.
The 3 p.m. commemoration of those who died in service to the country includes taps played by anyone who has a bugle or trumpet. The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying time off of work for the national holiday. The Moment was first proclaimed in May 2000 for Memorial Day that year, and was put in law by the United States Congress in December 2000.
The Village of Plandome Heights hosted Taps Across America in Dennis Klainberg’s front yard. Members of the community supported the beautiful tribute to our fallen Heroes and were grateful for the rendition of Taps performed by Dennis Klainberg, Rachel Sloan, and Michael Riscica.
Our Unit again supported the Medal of Honor recipients who were scheduled to be hosted at a dinner specifically to celebrate their exceptionally brave heroism during various wars. We had the privilege of recognizing Lieutenant Harvey Barnum and Sergeant Gary Beikirch, who distinguished themselves during the Vietnam War, and Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, who distinguished himself during the War in Iraq. With the support of our Junior members and contributions from Great Neck South High School, we sent each one a box containing homemade cards, sweat shirts, t-shirts, and box art that said, ”Heroes don’t wear capes. They wear dog tags.”
