The canon was fired at the American Legion marking the start of the annual parade of Fishers Island’s first responders and veterans, accompanied by the fire truck brigade, and a patriotic float crafted by the FIFD Junior Firefighters. Escorted by the Southold police vehicles, the procession made its way to the Village Green where many community members awaited their arrival and Rev. Dr. Rosanna Anderson said a prayer on Sunday, May May 25.
Introductory by Patty Walker
“Today we start by honoring two men who stood tall in the face of adversity and are our Island’s oldest veterans. John Ski, a proud Marine who served his country with bravery. And, Joe Rogan a young soldier who faced the unforgiving hills of Korea, including the brutal conflict known as Pork Chop Hill. Their service reminds us that freedom is bought and paid for by those willing to carry its burden. Thank them—Thank you Johnny, Thank you Joe—for your service.”
“We will lay a wreath for all the men and women who gave up their tomorrows for that ideal of “a more perfect union.”
“Mary Ski understands sacrifice and serving her community. A leader in the Women’s Auxiliary for American Legion Post #1045, twenty years of dedication to Our Lady of Grace’s Hit or Miss Rummage, and feeding anyone in need of a Perogie or anything else she felt like whipping up! She is a valued Island treasure and friend.”
Memorial Day Remarks by Patty Walker
Veteran, FIFD EMT, Commander of the American Legion Post #1045
“I’d like to share something that holds deep meaning for me. In recent years I’ve witnessed far too many instances of disrespect and disregard for the American flag. I would like to take a moment to read my reflections–my perception of what the flag truly represents.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for being here today.
As we stand together on this peaceful piece of land we’re surrounded by the sea, the sky, and the silence that gives space for reflection. Today is a day for remembrance. A day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country. And a day to reflect on a symbol that binds us all together through generations–the American flag.
The flag is more than fabric. It’s more than stars and stripes. It is an idea—a concept—stitched together by the values that define our nation–Freedom. Sacrifice. Courage. And Unity. Every fold, every thread, every color—it all means something. Red reminds us of the bloodshed on battlefields near and far. The blood of those who paid the ultimate price for liberty. White stands for the purity of our ideals. Even when we fall short, we aim high—for a more perfect union. Blue speaks to perseverance, vigilance, and to the justice that holds this union together.
But the flag is not just a symbol of the past. It’s a living symbol. It flies in times of peace and in times of conflict. Over homes and schools, on porches and government buildings. And yes, heartbreakingly, it drapes the coffins of the fallen. It marks the sacred passage from life to legacy… from service to eternal honor.
The concept of the flag is this: It doesn’t belong to one person, one party, or even one time. It belongs to all of us. It represents our ability to disagree and still remain united. It stands for those who fought not for land, but for an idea—That a nation could be built not on power, but on principle. Not on tyranny, but on freedom.
Here on Fishers Island, far from the noise of the mainland, we’re reminded of the quieter blessings of freedom—Safety. Community. The simple act of gathering without fear. These moments, small as they may seem, were made possible because others gave up their own tomorrows.
So today, as we honor the fallen, let us also honor the flag they served under. Not with empty gestures—but with understanding. Let us raise it not just high—but with purpose. And let us teach our children that the flag is not something to be worshipped—but something to be lived up to.
May it continue to challenge us. To be better. To do better. And to remember—the cost of forgetting.
God bless those we’ve lost. God bless those who still serve. And God bless the United States of America.”
To end the ceremony, ‘Taps’ was played from Fire Engine #1 and the procession proceeded around the green, right at the stop sign, and back to the Legion for the annual Memorial weekend cookout.
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Photo Credit: Jane T. Ahrens unless otherwise noted.
