Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Roslyn last Saturday to witness an impressive display by fire departments from all throughout Long Island as they marched to pay tribute to the Roslyn Rescue Fire Company.

The big parade was the main event of a day designed to celebrate Roslyn Rescue's 150th anniversary, a milestone, which makes it the fire department in New York State with the oldest charter. The parade began at 6 p.m. on Mineola Avenue and ended up on Round Hill Road, as the fire companies marched past the Roslyn High School athletic fields and a reviewing stand towards the St. Mary's Parish Center, where the evening festivities included live music, food, and concessions.

That gathering was a culmination of the day's events, which began earlier at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing. There, Roslyn Rescue members participated in an old-fashioned tournament, where teams from different fire companies competed against each other in a relay-style derby that demonstrated unique skills in certain firefighting tactics. That event, too, was a success for local companies. Roslyn Highlands came in second in the tournament, while the Roslyn Rescue squad finished fourth.

"It was my proudest day of being a member of Roslyn Rescue," said Chief Peter Liotta. "It is a privilege and an honor to be chief [of Roslyn Rescue.]"

Chief Liotta once again noted the trying circumstances in which the anniversary year is being celebrated. During the past year, the fire company has lost three members. Assistant Chief Tommy and ex-Captain Peter Langone both perished at the World Trade Center while conducting rescue missions on the day of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. This past March, Captain Allen Frye, lost his life in a training exercise on Glen Cove Road.

"We've overcome adversity more than once," Captain Liotta said. "The parade was a proud day in our history." Chief Liotta praised his fellow firefighters for going "above and beyond" their usual duties in keeping morale up at the fire company. He also extended a special thanks to both Roslyn Highlands for their support and to the Roslyn community for rallying to the fire company during some difficult times and giving it overwhelming and enthusiastic backing on the day of the parade.

Although the day was overcast, the rains stayed at bay, allowing for the large turnout. Among the fire companies who honored Roslyn Rescue were those from Syosset, Sea Cliff, East Norwich, Oyster Bay, Glenwood Landing, Manhasset-Lakeville, Locust Valley, Bayville, Port Washington, Glen Cove, Albertson, Wantagh, Williston Park, Westbury, Great Neck, Bay Shore and a contingent from the Glassport, PA fire company. Also providing some color to the parade were pipe and bugle corps from the Local 608 Carpenters union and the New York City Fire Department.

Each fire company marched with rank-and-file members, plus a band of their own, and in many cases, members of their junior corps. The reviewing stand included officials with Roslyn Rescue, plus the parade's grand marshal, Bill Bernstein of Roslyn Heights, a lifetime member of the fire company, a former president of Roslyn Rescue, and a longtime member elected official of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

Also on the reviewing stand were numerous local politicians, including Town of North Hemsptead Supervisor May Newburger, TONH councilmen Anthony D'Urso and Fred Pollock, Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson, East Hills Mayor Michael R.Koblenz and Village of Roslyn board of trustee member, Nolan Myerson.