Levittown's past and present came together on the morning of Aug. 21 with the intent of beautifying the historic community's future.

The architectural past was represented by 15 individuals ranging from Levitt Corporation's Chairman and CEO, Alan Levan, to the company's many executives, who arrived at the Levittown Memorial Education Center from Fort Lauderdale, FL to revisit the Levitt Corporation's roots and later ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

The company representatives made it a point as well to experience the unveiling of the Town of Hempstead's historic marker at the East Village Green on Jerusalem Avenue that coincided with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, at which time numerous GIs bought the first homes in Levittown.

"It is important to Levitt Corporation that we come back to the original location where the American dream began and is still alive and well," said Jack Abdo, vice chairman of Levitt Corporation, which owns the subsidiary Levitt and Sons. "Even though Levitt and Sons has not been in the hands of the Levitt family since 1968, Levitt Corporation is proud to continue the family-friendly communities that are the company's heritage."

Five village greens were built in Levittown, one in Hicksville and one in Salisbury. The East Village Green opened in April of 1950. It featured a variety of shopping stores. Some of the greens also boasted playgrounds, pools and bowling alleys.

"The greens are a gathering place for area residents and add to the character of Levittown," Hudes said. "As a neighbor in this community, I can attest to the dynamic forethought that went into planning this great Long Island hamlet."

Polly Dwyer, president of the Levittown Historical Society and a Levittown resident since 1954, brought Abdo and the executives back to the company's roots during a tour of Levittown's streets, making stops at the Little Red Schoolhouse and an original Cape Cod house. The society's Vice President Paul Manton then gave the group a tour of the society's museum, in which the individuals viewed authentic U.S. Navy uniforms of Levittown's returning WWII veterans and an original Levitt Cape Cod stair wall, among many other pieces.

"So many of the houses have changed over the years, but the community aspect is still here and it is important that [Levitt Corporation] sees street after street," Dwyer said. "The community itself is the important part of this event."

At 11 a.m. the community that Dwyer spoke of gathered at the East Village Green as Hempstead Town Supervisor and Levittown native Kate Murray spoke of Levittown being the birthplace of the suburbs. Murray was joined by fellow Levittowners, including Town Councilman Gary Hudes and Legislator Dennis Dunne Sr., Assemblyman David McDonough, Amy Patalano from the Levittown Library, Daphne Rus from the Levittown Property Owners Association, Levittown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Herman Sirois, Island Trees Schools Superintendent James Parla and members of both the Levittown and Island Trees Boards of Education, American Legion Post 1711, VFW Post 9592, Levittown Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Levittown Fire Department and local Boy and Girl Scout troops were also on hand for the unveiling.

"In fact, as a lifelong resident of Levittown and a proud owner of a Levitt house, this day holds great significance for me," Murray said. "Sixty years ago Sunday marked the end of World War II and the birth of William Levitt's vision- a vision of the first fully planned suburban community," she explained.

More than half a century later Levittown resident and Eagle Scout candidate Daniel Howard of Boy Scout Troop 291, has a vision as well and his will affect coming generations, he said. Along with the mentoring of Councilman Hudes, Howard decided to turn his Eagle Scout project into one that would benefit the community as he and members of his troop will undertake the landscaping of each of the village green signs.

"When I think of the greens, I think of being with my friends getting food, riding our bikes, going to the pool," Howard said. "And now it feels good to be the one making it more beautiful for those who come here today."

The East Village Green sign features a dramatic stone base, attractive plantings and a green and white sign mounted on detailed wooden posts. Five more signs are to be installed at the remaining village greens, each detailing information particular to that green.

The East Village Green sign reads as follows:

The dream of owning a home came true for thousands in Levittown, America's largest suburban development.

Designed to provide returning World War II veterans and their young families with convenient shopping and recreation, the East Village Green was one of seven greens built between 1948 and 1951.

The East Village Green opened in April of 1950, contributing to a suburban fabric that made Levittown an innovative and uniquely American community.

"We are taking this same project and are bringing it to each of the village greens because of the historical value of the community," Hudes explained. "There are many new people moving into the community and they may not be aware of the history."