That old adage, "Good things come in small packages," certainly held true Monday, May 28, on the occasion of the East Norwich Memorial Day Parade. Although not as large, nor as long, as some of our neighboring town's parades it more than matched theirs in spirit and dedication. Participating units assembled by the Community United Methodist Church of East Norwich on Route 106 just south of Route 25A and, preceded by a Nassau County Police cruiser, began their northward trek at the 9 a.m. starting time as scheduled.

Leading the marchers were members of the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company Number One followed by a contingent from the Quentin Roosevelt Post No. 4 of the American Legion of Oyster Bay and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8033. Next, the Oyster Bay High School Band provided music for the enjoyment of the marchers and the spectators. The Junior Fire Fighters of East Norwich Fire Company No. 1, the Brownies of Troop No. 203, and the Cub Scouts followed by the fire department's motorized units completed the pageant. As each unit reached the firehouse they turned onto the apron and formed up to await the commencement of the ceremonies.

Marchers and spectators alike joined in to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which assumed a special significance on this day of remembrance. The High School Band then played a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The Company Chaplain, Pastor Louise Stoke-Johns, was then introduced to give the invocation, praying for wisdom, tolerance and closure and healing to any wounds, mental or physical still causing pain.

The featured speaker, Captain Steven T. Tracy, USNR then was introduced, by Chief Robby Aasheim, as a graduate of Mineola's Chaminade High School, US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point and St. John's University School of Law. Holding a 3rd Mate's License since 1979 he has served as an officer both on ocean going vessels as well as various shore based assignments. These assignments were, at different times, in the Merchant Marine and the United States Navy. He was a founding partner and currently practices law with the firm of Cohen, Craig and Tracey, LLP of Locust Valley. For 19 years Captain Tracy has resided in East Norwich with his wife, Rosemary Joy, and three children, Thomas, Richard and Caroline.

Captain Tracy began by praising the Merchant Marine Academy as one of the best of the five federally funded service academies. Quoting the academy's Latin motto, "acta, non verba" meaning "action, not words", he went on to say that Memorial Day, celebrated since 1868, honors those men and women who spend their lives in deeds not talk.

He said it was made a federal holiday in 1968 to ensure that Americans would have the opportunity to take the time to remember those hundreds of thousands, who by their deeds and not their words, served this great nation. "We should honor those who, in spite of differences in race, ethnic background, or religion all served together, as Americans, so that we all may enjoy the freedoms we have today," he said.

Some gave their lives while serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Postponing their future plans they said goodbye to parents, spouses, children, friends, jobs, dreams and homes forever because duty called. As a direct result, he said, we enjoy the choices of government, the freedom to worship God as we choose, live the lifestyle we desire, be educated as we like and delight in the simple pleasures that abound in the United States and do all of this without fear.

He said firefighters share a kinship with those who served in the military as they too have a selfless dedication of service to the community that, at least, requires giving up of time and, at most, sacrifice of their lives. They realize that, in spite of the best training and equipment, things can sometimes go dreadfully wrong when answering a call and, in a heartbeat, their lives are at risk, he added.

What drives those who serve in the military or the fire services? It is not money, nor is it prestige, but rather it is love for their fellow man, he said and that it is God who has given us the gift to try to save lives. "No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brother or sister."

He urged all to think of these unsung heroes the next time they partake of such simple pleasures as watching a baseball, football or basketball game or attending a picnic or festival. These were all made possible by our brothers and sisters in the military and it was their devotion to duty that made this, the United States of America, the most powerful and prosperous nation on the planet.

Concluding, he said to let us celebrate the memory of those noble Americans who made the supreme sacrifice to make this "the land of the free and the home of the brave. They answered this country's call to arms and to battle they did go destination unknown. May their final resting place, whether it be on land or sea, be forever hallowed for it is known only unto God. May God bless them all and bless the United States of America."

Memorial wreaths were then placed at the base of the flagpole by Barbara Aasheim and Kelly Aasheim. The American Legions Rifle Team then fired a salute which was followed by a moving, solo rendition of Taps by David Wurtz of the Oyster Bay High School band followed by Pastor Stoke-Johns giving the closing benediction. Chief Aasheim thanked all the marching units and the people attending reminding them that, at 10:30 the East Norwich FD would be marching in Oyster Bay's Memorial Day Parade!