Photos by Shoshanna McCollum
All are similar , but no two are ever the same – and on Fire Island, the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach Memorial Day Parade of 2023 went without a hitch under sunny skies and great camaraderie among all. Since 1969 Don Robbins has been coming to play taps on his bugle in reverence to the fallen, and at age 96 he returned once again. Ocean Beach Police Officer and Iraqi war veteran himself, Hank Clemmons took the podium and gave an eloquent speech as he has done in years past, but knowing he is retiring in a few short weeks made this moment an even more emotional occasion. Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter also put in an appearance. Then there are our friends from the Joseph Loeffler American Legion Post 1006 in Brentwood, who accompanied by the poppy ladies, bring brightness to this day even when the holiday weekend skies are gray. May this gathering come with peace and hope.
