#98 - Remember Our Heroes at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park

It has been a long, snowy winter, but highs will be in the 50s this Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Take this opportunity to get out and enjoy the sunshine while remembering the veterans who fought for our country and shaped Levittown's identity. 

Levittown Veterans Memorial Park often hosts big events such as the holiday tree lighting, Veterans Day memorial service, Levittown Chamber of Commerce Expo and summer concerts, but it only takes one relaxing afternoon to get a feel for what the park is really about.

Located on Hempstead Turnpike at Shelter Lane, the park is best identified by the four white columns welcoming visitors to step inside.

It isn't a big space, but even with the last patches of ice still remaining there is plenty of clear grass where the kids can kick around a soccer ball or you can enjoy a stroll in the fresh air.

But first, make sure to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers honored throughout the grounds. At the entrance stands a monument dedicated in 1980 by the Levittown-Island Trees Veterans Council that reads "Dedicated to the men and women of our community who gave their lives for our country."

Keep walking down the path in the direction of the Levittown Public Library, which stands right behind the park, and to your left you will see a new plaque that was just dedicated this past Veterans Day in November. 

This monument was unveiled by the Town of Hempstead to honor late hero and Levittown resident Peter Bopp, a United States Navy Gunners Mate Petty Officer, 3rd Class. Bopp died just two days shy of his 22nd birthday on April 19, 1989 in an explosion aboard the USS Iowa.

To your right, you will find a large stone monument dedicated to "those who have made the ultimate sacrifice". This monument is filled with names of brave locals who lost their lives serving our country in Vietnam, Korea and Iraq. 

If you want to extend your stay, pick out a book from the library's extensive fiction or non-fiction collections and have yourself a seat on one of the park's many benches while you enjoy a good read. 

A nice shady spot is the park's gazebo, donated by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce.

If you really just can't get enough of this tiny glimpse of spring, take out lunch from Bagel Cafe, now under new ownership, or Calda Pizzeria and enjoy an impromptu picnic in the park. Just remember to dispose of your trash and keep your neighborhood clean.

Category: Outdoors, recreation

Price: Free