Mangano Announces "Gold Star" Parents To Commemorate Fallen Heroes In Eisenhower Park

Nassai County Executive Ed Mangano has announced that Eisenhower Park will host a gathering of "Gold Star" mothers, fathers, families and the general public to commemorate soldiers and marines from New York state who have died in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The Gold Star Mothers, organized after World War I and headquartered in Washington, D.C., operates as a support group for American women who have lost sons or daughters in war. The organization is not affiliated with the event in Eisenhower Park, however.

The event, which is the first such commemoration on Long Island and is expected to draw visitors from throughout New York State, will include color and honor guards; guest speakers; music; a reading of names of those who have fallen; and a 21-gun salute.

In the event of rain, the program will be held on October 2 at 5 p.m. in Island Trees Memorial Middle School at 45 South Wantagh Avenue in Island Trees-Levittown.

Eisenhower Park is located in East Meadow with entrances on Hempstead Turnpike at East Meadow Avenue and at the intersection of Stewart and Merrick avenues.