Veterans from the Levittown community were honored all Memorial Day Weekend, beginning on Friday with the opening ceremonies of the chamber of commerce's festival and continuing through the parade held on Monday.

The opening ceremonies of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce Festival began with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, by Levittown resident Jessica Hudes. Following that, Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Jacklyn Nogan explained that the chamber asked each veterans organization in the community to select one member of their organization as the recipient of the chamber's Community Service Award. These people, said Nogan, "are local heroes and heroines, providing help and giving care, bettering our communities."

George Doll, commander of VFW Post 9592 introduced that organization's recipient, Bob Spicer. Doll noted that in addition, his service to the post, Spicer has excelled in community service. Among Spicer's extraordinary accomplishments, according to Doll, are the donation of eight gallons of blood and 50 donations of blood platelets. Spicer is also the commander of the Nassau County Veterans of Foreign War Association.

American Legion Post 1711 Commander Bill Hynes introduced their recipient, John Lane, noting that he is a 28-year member of the American Legion. Disabled himself, according to Hynes, Lane's goal has always been to help those who are disabled. He plans events to assist the developmentally disabled and aids victims of fires, rebuilding homes and "caring only for the well-being of those he helps."

The commander of the Jewish War Veterans East Meadow/Levittown Post 709 introduced Senior Vice Commander Edwin Krebs, selected by that as their recipient. Among the services Krebs was recognized for were visiting the veterans at the Northport VA Hospital and distributing food to the needy during the holidays.

The next recipient of the Community Service Award was Paul Masi, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 82. It was noted that Masi ensures that everyone remember those who are MIA or prisoners of war and recently put together a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. He was described as, "The most knowledgeable activist for POWs and MIAs." Masi then asked for a moment to speak. He said that though for him, as a Vietnam War veteran, father of two, and employee of Verizon Wireless, the Vietnam War seems like it was a long time ago, it's really not. He noted that there are veterans of that war who are still fighting for what they need. He then asked everyone to, "Think about all the brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice," and thanked the chamber and his organization for the Community Service Award.

Ray O'Conner introduced the honoree of the Korean War Veterans of Nassau County Chapter 1, Robert Brinsley. A lifelong member of the American Legion and the chaplain of Korean War Veterans organization, Brinsley was recognized for his service to Our Lady of Redeemer Church and his work with shut-ins.

The final veteran recognized with the Community Service Award, Major Charles Kilbride, was introduced by Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne, from the Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council. Dunne noted that, running the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in Nassau County for three years, Major Kilbride was instrumental in the success of that program. He also noted that Major Kilbride's father ran the first Levittown Memorial Day Parade and that all four of Kilbride's children have attended West Point. Kilbride said that he was accepting the award on behalf of the Marine Corps., noting, "I don't do it by myself."

Nogan then recognized local service organizations that, "Provide peace and security in our communities." She added, "Around here we have been blessed with the finest help available." The chamber recognized the Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corps, the Levittown Fire Department, the Nassau County Police 8th Precinct, and the Nassau County Auxiliary Police.

Nogan also recognized members of the chamber of commerce who made a significant contribution to the success of the festival. Those recognized were Eileen O'Rourke, chamber of commerce secretary and Entertainment Chairs Lois Cornibert and Louise Cassano. She also thanked DJ Louis Pensa for his work during the festival.

Another important aspect of Memorial Day weekend in Levittown is the Memorial Day Parade, one of the largest in Nassau County. The grand marshals for this year's parade were the Kavanagh family. Joseph Kavanagh ran the Memorial Day Parade for many years and passed away just days after last year's parade. Kavanagh served as the commander of American Legion Post 1711 at some point during each of the last five decades and contributed a great deal to the Levittown community.

Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne introduced each one of the dozens of organizations as they marched past the reviewing stand located on Shelter Lane.

Joseph Mondello, Nassau County Republican Party Chairman and former Town of Hempstead Presiding Supervisor, recognized the families of Stephen Karopczyc, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bopp, who lost their son on the USS Iowa. He noted their dedication in attending the parade every year. Mondello then spoke about the "wonderful young men and women who gave all for their country," and said, "Now I know where they get it from, their parents."

Jim Kavanagh, Joseph's son, spoke on behalf of his family and extended their gratitude for the honor of being grand marshals. He added that one of his father's goals was to ensure that the nation's veterans are remembered. He said that his father's fear was that future generations would forget the sacrifices made by these veterans. "You, the veterans, are our heroes," said Kavanagh.

Henry To, the parade chairman was also recognized. He stated, "Today we celebrate a gift, freedom," and he added that they were also celebrating the life of Joseph Kavanagh, who he called a "mentor."

Assemblywoman Kate Murray then spoke, noting that as the daughter of a World War II veteran, she knew the many sacrifices that every veteran made to provide their country with freedom and liberty. "God bless you and God bless America," concluded Murray.

Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes stated that it is truly an honor for him to live in Levittown, "One of the most patriotic places one could live." He then thanked the veterans who made sacrifices "so we can enjoy freedom and the great life we enjoy here on Long Island today."

The ceremony concluded with the reading of the names of the 29 Levittown natives who lost their lives in Vietnam as Taps played and the wreaths were laid on the veteran's monument.