Hempstead kicks off Fourth of July festivities with Salute to Veterans concert & fireworks show
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The Town of Hempstead kicked off Fourth of July festivities Saturday with a Salute to Veterans Concert and Fireworks Show.
It's a tradition dating back over 40 years -- people celebrating the Fourth of July, but also honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can celebrate Independence Day.
Red, white and blue lit up the Long Island sky Saturday night as thousands sat on the lawn and in their picnic chairs in Town Park at Point Lookout, watching the fireworks with their loved ones.
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Veterans were honored and saluted by Long Islanders and the Town of Hempstead.
"I served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. I was in Vietnam from '68 to '69. Lucky guy, I was a clerk typist in a nice big office, so I was never in danger, but I was there and I'm proud to say I did it, and now I'm giving back to the veterans who are not so lucky," veteran Richard Kaplan said.
"I think Long Island has recognized the Fourth of July isn't just another day off. It's not a day for a barbecue. It's a time to really appreciate our country, appreciate our freedoms and appreciate the men and women who have given it all in the ultimate sacrifice," Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin said.
There was some entertainment, too, as KC and the Sunshine Band hit the stage before the big show.
Organizers say the free event is held every year, with this year having one of the biggest turnouts.