This woman was not alone as thousands flocked to Calverton National Cemetery on Memorial Day. (Credit: Grant Parpan)
The more than 242,000 interments over the past 36 years at Calverton National Cemetery are the biggest reason so many Long Islanders spend their Memorial Day in Riverhead Town.
On Monday, the 1,000-acre cemetery hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony, featuring several gold star families, federal, county and town officials, and countless veterans who came to reflect.
The keynote address this year was given by Col. Jeffrey Arndt, vice commander of the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton.
See more photos from this year’s ceremony.
County Executive Steve Bellone speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery Monday. (Credit: Grant ParpanA soldier snaps a photo of Congressman Tim Bishop speaking at Calverton National Cemetery. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Congressman Tim Bishop spoke of the selfless heroism of Riverhead’s own Medal of Honor winner Garfield Langhorn during his remarks at the Calverton National Cemetery Memorial Day service Monday. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Thousands packed Calverton National Cemetery Monday, including several hundred who observed the official ceremony. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Credit: Grant ParpanCredit: Grant ParpanDennis Krulder, national 4th junior vice commander, Disabled American Veterans introduces the keynote speaker.Keynote speaker Col. Jeffrey Arndt of the Air National Guard, 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Keynote speaker Col. Jeffrey Arndt of the Air National Guard, 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Credit: Grant ParpanThe Gold Star families on hand at Monday’s ceremony stand for applause in honor of their fallen children. (Credit: Grant Parpan)Credit: Grant ParpanCredit: Grant ParpanCredit: Grant ParpanLunch being served to dozens of people who took a bus to the cemetery, sponsored by a funeral home. Credit: Grant ParpanCredit: Grant ParpanScouts spend the day before Memorial Day displaying a flag at every gravesite. (Credit: Grant Parpan)
