Memorial Day in West Islip is traditionally a day of community spirit  where we honor the men and women who have given the greatest sacrifice for our country. Community members and organizations gathered once again this year to participate in the 56th annual Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the American Legion.

The weather was glorious as the parade officially began with the raising of the flag at the intersection of Higbie Lane and Udall Road.  It continued down Higbie Lane for a Memorial Service at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School. Earlier in the morning, some members of the West Islip Chamber of Commerce met with the West Islip Historical Association and members of Islip Town to pay respects at the small, historical cemetery right here in West Islip on Boulevard Avenue, where a soldier from the Revolutionary War rests.