Veterans Memorial Square in Rocky Point Dedicated with Armed Forces Flag Raising Event

Farmingville, NY – On October 17, the Town of Brookhaven dedicated the new Veterans Memorial Square in Rocky Point with an Armed Forces flag raising ceremony. Councilwoman Jane Bonner (center) worked with the Rocky Point VFW, local businesses and the Town Parks Department to turn a blighted property, which was the former site of the Oxygen Bar, into a beautiful passive park that also serves as the gateway to downtown Rocky Point. In 2011, the Town shut down the Oxygen Bar due to an expired Place of Assembly permit after a non-fatal shooting of four people occurred there. It was a vacant eyesore in the community for five years while Councilwoman Bonner spearheaded the Town’s efforts to purchase the property, demolish the building and transform it into Veterans Memorial Square.

Also in attendance were (starting back row, fourth from left) Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore, Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro, Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo, Supervisor Ed Romaine, Congressman Lee Zeldin, State Senator Ken LaValle.

Supervisor Romaine said, “I commend Councilwoman Bonner for her efforts to bring Veterans Memorial Square to fruition. Honoring our veterans for their service to our country is the right thing to do and I was proud to be a part of this very special occasion.”

Councilwoman Bonner said, “It is extremely gratifying to honor our veterans by dedicating this beautiful green space to their service and the sacrifices they made in the name of freedom and democracy. For too many years, this corner was a source of problems and now it is a source of pride.”

Superintendent of Highways Losquadro said, "I was honored to attend the flag raising ceremony at the new Veteran's Memorial Square in Rocky Point. This space was successfully transformed into a beautiful new destination our veterans, their families and all Brookhaven residents can be proud to visit."

Pictured at left are Councilwoman Bonner and a local veteran from Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 raising the American and POW-MIA flags at the Veterans Memorial Square dedication ceremony.

Click here to see a video of the dedication ceremony that you can edit for broadcast or post on your website.