On Sunday, May 5, Nassau County firefighters held the Nassau County 63rd United Memorial Service in Glen Cove at the Wunsch Arts Center. The annual event is held to honor the memory of all Nassau firefighters who have passed away over the last year. This year Glen Cove was chosen to host the event at the request of Don Ellison, president of the Nassau County Firefighters Association.

Forest Avenue, from Walnut Street to Dosoris, was teeming with red fire trucks and emergency vehicles from all over the county, and strung across the large avenue at four different spots were four arches created by hook and ladders attached by waving Stars and Stripes. From between the arches, led by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipe & Drum Corp and many state and local dignitaries, marched somber firefighters, nearly a thousand men and women who came to pay their last respects to 199 of their comrades. The Wunsch Arts Center was filled with these heroes, and the families who had lost their hero.

The moving and inspirational service began with the presentation of the colors by the Glen Cove Fire Department, the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. After prayers and scripture readings, the audience sat in silence through the necrology, a reading of each name of the deceased. In an especially moving ceremony, firefighters came out one by one holding two candles, and after the reading of the names of the deceased from each district, a bell was rung, and the firefighter blew out a candle. This was done 65 times with respect for the 52 districts that had lost a firefighter, and the 13 districts that had lost members of their Ladies' Auxiliary.

Following the necrology, presentations of inscribed bibles were made to the families who had lost someone in the line of duty. This ritual was markedly different from other years this year. According to one firefighter, there is rarely a loss in the line of duty, and if so, it would be one or two persons. This year the number totaled 20. This year is well-known for its plethora of losses.

Taps was played from the balcony, and a moment of silence observed for the dead. Organist Paul Cartier played and sang the firefighter's hymn Abide With Me and Kenashia Douglas sang an a cappella version of God Bless America. With her warm and tender tones, the 12-year-old girl moved the entire congregation to join in singing with her.

After the benediction, the Nassau County Firefighters Pipe & Drum Corp led the recessional while they played Amazing Grace.

Following the service, the Glen Cove Fire Department played host to more than 250 people, including those who had worked so hard for this day, elected officials, Glen Cove families who had lost a loved one, and anyone else to whom a bighearted firefighter had said, "Hey, do you want something to eat?" Firefighters just don't know how to stop giving.