Lake Ronkonkoma ceremony honors veterans who were killed in action
A new memorial plaque was unveiled at Raynor Beach County Park.
An event held in Lake Ronkonkoma Sunday celebrated freedom and honor those who gave their lives for it.
The event began with a parade that celebrated America’s 250th anniversary. A memorial ceremony followed which honored those killed in action. The Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association put up a plate that lists soldiers from Lake Ronkonkoma who died defending the United States.
“It is very significant because it deals with human lives that didn’t come home,” said veteran Matthew “Skip” Skiba.
“It means the world to me,” said Lenore Baake whose uncle, Clifford Koeppel went missing in action in 1952. “It keeps their memory alive.”
Family members of those who gave their lives spoke during the ceremony about the significance of the memorial.
The memorial is named after Charles Richard Greene, who was killed in action in Vietnam.
“I didn't realize it was that many people that gave their lives,” said Charles Green’s brother, veteran Bobby Greene.
“It's heartwarming.”
“We see the importance of different freedom and that it's not actually free,” said Renee Greene Murphy. “And coming from a family of so many veterans, we are just very proud.”
