Save these dates: Come celebrate America 250 with us and hear some great music –for FREE!

Each show will be preceded by semiquincentennial events; all are at the MIFD HQ on RT25 at 31 Arnold Dr in Middle Island, gates open at 4:30pm, concerts are from 6-8pm, and admission is free!

Sat, June 13th: The Eagle River Band – Celebrate Old Glory on Flag Day Eve! Meet Betsy Ross – Walk the Avenue of Flags

Sat, July 11: Synchronicity ( The Police & Sting) – Loyalist or Patriot? Hear the Declaration of Independence & Sign – If You Dare!

Sat, August 22: Just Sixties – Show Your Rebel Spirit – Wear Your Best Tie Dyes – Learn About the British Occupation of LI & Benjamin Tallmadge’s Daring 1780 Raid!

These concerts made possible by the SC Omnibus Grant Program. Many thanks to SC Legislator Chad Lennon and our hosts the Middle Island Fire Department.

Thanks to the sound truck manned by Matt Gropper, the ceremony featured remarks by US Congressman Nick LaLota, SC Legislators Nick Caracappa and Chad Lennon’s rep Quentin Palifka, Brookhaven Councilman Mike Loquercio and crowd favorite Marine Veteran Stewart “Gunny” Rubin. The Presidential Proclamation was read by MI Civic VP Rich Kollar. Kevin Mann, Jim Dowling and Tom Bove read the Peace Prayer, Opening Prayer and Closing Prayer respectively. BOE VP Dan Tomaszewski, Yaphank FD Chief Don Schaaf, Coram FD Commissioner Van Johnson and MICA President Gail Lynch-Bailey paid tribute to recently passed leaders, Veterans and volunteers including Bill Miller, Maureen Silvestri, Patti Butler, Ron Hoffman, Deacon Monte Naylor, John and JoAnn Hoeffner and Paul Spillett. Frank Bailey read aloud the Names of the Fallen and Lydia Fusco rang the MIFD bell after each of the 25 names– these names are marked with a star on the Longwood Veterans memorials.

Wreaths were placed at all eight stones by members of the Middle Island, Coram and Yaphank FDs, many of whom had honored their own departmental departed earlier over the weekend. As is our tradition, all Veterans, active military and family reps were invited to come forward, share their service and receive deserved thanks from the crowd. This year in particular a number of regular attendees came forward for the first time to say the names of their departed Veteran family members. The somber, sweet and essential ceremony ended with God Bless America. Many thanks to all who made this happen and to everyone who didn’t let a little rain keep them home.

Many thanks to all who braved the wind, chill and SNOW to participate in our 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony at Bartlett Pond Park on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Scout Troops 560 and 433 presented the colors, LHS HS Seal of Civics students explained and hoisted the SAR flag procured by MICA, our FD members placed wreaths, LHS Buglers played the TAPS Echo and our BOE and elected officials thanked Veterans and families in attendance for their service and sacrifice. LMS 6th Grader Bella-Capri Rostron sang the Star Spangled Banner and lead us in God Bless America as the snow flakes swirled around us.

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.