Memorial Day Community Update from Senator Kevin Thomas

Dear Neighbors,

Memorial Day Weekend here on Long Island is traditionally a time where we gather with family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the official beginning of summer. While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to change our plans this holiday weekend, it has not altered the importance of honoring our nation’s fallen heroes. Every Memorial Day, we take time to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and recognize the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line every day in service to our nation.

While many local parades and ceremonies have been cancelled or limited in size, here are some ideas to help you and your family commemorate this important holiday:

• Wear or Display a red poppy, a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars.
• Pause at 3 p.m. In accordance with the National Moment of Remembrance, pause from whatever you are doing at this time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom to all of us.
• Display a Memorial Day Poster on your front door. Nassau County has provided a series of free posters featuring Poppy flowers and our American Flag that you can download and print out, available here: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4989/Memorial-Day-2020-Community-Poster-Initi
• The Nassau County Memorial Day car parade will take place on Monday, May 25. County Executive Curran and other local dignitaries will join with local veterans’ groups to pay tribute to fallen military personnel. The car parade will lead to the Veterans Memorial at Eisenhower Park. Residents are encouraged to tune in live to salute and remember those who were lost in the line of duty on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ncexecutive.
• Tune in to the Bethpage Virtual Air Show. While the pandemic may have grounded this year’s air show at Jones Beach, you and your family can watch the first-ever Bethpage Virtual Air Show right from the comfort of home. The show will go live on May 24 at noon on https://bethpageairshow.com/.

If you and your family are planning on visiting one of Long Island’s many beaches and parks this weekend, please take note of local guidelines for reduced capacity and social distancing. The status of all Nassau County Parks can be accessed at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1767/Parks-Recreation-Museums. Realtime parking updates for state beaches, which will begin to open at 50% capacity or less and with heightened precautions, will be available at https://parks.ny.gov/. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Office at 516-739-1700 or email thomas@nysenate.gov.

I wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.

Sincerely,

Senator Kevin Thomas