Many thanks to all who participated in our ninth annual Gold Star Families Day Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Bartlett Pond Park in Middle Island. This is one of the few Gold Star ceremonies held on Long Island. Community members gathered near the Gold Star monument for songs, prayers, readings, remarks, wreath placement, and more. We hope the bright sunshine made what is always an emotional day a tad easier.
Rotarian Kevin Mann read the Peace Prayer, Scout Troop 560 presented the colors, NY6 Blue Star Mothers President Rosemarie Kluepfel led us in The Star Spangled Banner, Longwood BOE Vice President Dan Tomaszewski read the Opening Prayer and Brookhaven Lions President Steve Pastena read The Presidential Proclamation. A dozen Middle Island Fire Department members attended in full dress uniform.
Speakers included NYS Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, NYS Assemblyman Steve Stern, Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, Colonel Jim Brennan, and American Legion Post 1888 Commander Stewart Rubin. Reps for NYS Senator Dean Murray and SC Legislator Nick Caracappa also attended. Assemblyman Stern presented a framed copy of the NYS Gold Star Mothers and Families Day Proclamation.
Rosemarie Kluepfel spoke eloquently and passionately about the plight of Gold Star Mothers and Families. Longwood Board of Ed members Gina Pozzolano Gebbia and Matthew Gropper presented sunflowers to the Mothers and Veterans seated in the audience. The ceremony concluded with God Bless America, written by Irving Berlin at nearby Camp Upton over 100 years ago. Thanks to the Coram and Middle Island Fire Departments for logistics, chairs, music and audio, and our Brookhaven Town Parks Department for keeping Bartlett in such splendid shape.
