Under bright blue skies and warm spring sunshine, residents, veterans, elected officials and military families gathered Friday morning, May 15, at Mary Jane Davies Green in downtown Manhasset as the Town of North Hempstead unveiled new “Hometown Heroes” military recognition banners ahead of Armed Forces Day.
With a large American flag suspended above Plandome Road from a Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department ladder truck, the ceremony transformed the heart of downtown into a tribute to local service members past and present. Red, white and blue banners bearing military photos, names, ranks and branches of service now line nearby light poles and will remain displayed through Veterans Day.
Among those honored were Manhasset native Lt. Junior Grade Brian J. Morris Jr., who has served in the Navy since 2012 and is currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and Army Private First Class Conner Gould of New Hyde Park, who enlisted in 2025 and now serves with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena opened the ceremony by thanking military families, firefighters and law enforcement officers for their dedication and sacrifice.
“These heroes are out there protecting our country right now,” DeSena said as students and residents passed through the busy downtown area. “Our kids need to see them.”
Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins, whose son is currently serving in the Navy, became emotional while speaking about the sacrifices military families make while loved ones serve overseas.
“You kind of get choked up,” Collins told the crowd. “My son is out at sea right now protecting our interests.”
Collins said ceremonies like the banner unveiling remind families that the community recognizes not only the service members, but also the loved ones supporting them back home.
Councilman Yaron Levy thanked the families of both active-duty personnel and veterans, saying their support gives service members “the strength and the courage and the fortitude” to continue defending the nation.
Councilwoman Christine Liu, who spearheaded the Hometown Heroes initiative, called the banners a lasting public tribute to service members and veterans.
Source: LI Press
