Reflections on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, honors our nation’s fallen military members.  Every year, our community commemorates this solemn occasion with decorating war monuments and a parade through downtown.  My next three blogs will reflect on the ultimate sacrifice paid by some.  I asked two of my friends who served overseas to share their experiences of losing a comrade with the readers of Glen Cove Patch. 

Anthony J. Angelone, who served with me in Iraq, grew up in Jarrettsville, Maryland.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2000 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served three tours in Iraq in the positions of platoon commander (2003), Iraqi military advisor (2005-2006), and staff officer (2007).  Anthony was a company commander in Afghanistan (2009) before his discharge from active duty in October 2010.  He currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.  

Scott Castillo is a lifelong resident of Long Beach, New York.  After the tragedy on September 11, 2001, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and became an Airborne Ranger with the 1/75 Ranger Battalion.  He completed combat tours in Afghanistan 2002 ("Operation Enduring Freedom") and in Iraq 2003 ("Operation Iraqi Freedom").  He also participated in numerous special operation missions including the highly publicized rescue of American P.O.W. Jessica Lynch.  Scott graduated from Texas A & M University and he is currently working towards his Master degree from Bernard Baruch College. 

God bless those who defend America.