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Politics & Government

"Gold Star" Gathering in Memory of Fallen Soldiers

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano has announced a "Gold Star" gathering to commemorate soldiers and Marines from New York State who died in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. The event will take place on Oct. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Eisenhower Park Veterans Memorial in East Meadow.

The Gold Star event brings together mothers, fathers, families, and the general public to remember these fallen heroes. This event, the first such commemoration on Long Island , is expected to attract visitors from throughout the state. It will include color guards and honor guards; guest speakers; music; reading of the names of those who died while serving our country; and a 21-gun salute.

"It is a tremendous honor for the County to host this event, which allows us to reflect upon and honor the sacrifices made by our young men and women in combat, along with their families," says Mangano. "I encourage residents who wish to pay tribute to these fallen heroes and to express solidarity with these families to attend this event."

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"We want to make sure that the sacrifices made by our sons and daughters – and their memories – are not forgotten," says Nancy Fuentes of Levittown, whose son, Spc. Daniel Fuentes, was killed in action on April 6, 2007, in Baghdad. "This event helps ensure that their memories will continue to live on."

For more information about this event, call Nancy Fuentes at 516-491-9156 or Emily Toro at 917-971-8748. In case of rain, the program will be held instead on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. in Island Trees Memorial Middle School at 45 South Wantagh Ave in Island Trees-Levittown.

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