Greens Cancel Fireworks Show Honoring Fallen Soldiers
Long Island officials cancelled a Memorial Day fireworks show honoring fallen soldiers after environmental activists claimed it would harm nesting bald eagles near Lake Ronkonkoma.
The “Salute to Our Fallen” fireworks show, scheduled for May 30 at Lake Ronkonkoma, was scrapped Tuesday by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter after activists threatened demonstrations against the event, as New York Post reports.
Carpenter pulled the plug following months of opposition. The display had already been postponed from its original Memorial Day date after local veterans raised concerns about fireworks potentially triggering post-traumatic stress episodes.
John Di Leonardo, an activist who serves as executive director of Humane Long Island, praised the cancellation as a victory for wildlife protection. He argued the fireworks would have created dangerous conditions for bald eagles and other animals inhabiting the lake area.
Di Leonardo characterized the planned tribute to fallen service members as contradictory, claiming it would harm America’s national bird during nesting season and risk displacing or injuring the eagles.
Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin, who organized the commemoration, pointed to local regulations as the ultimate barrier. According to New York Post, Islip Town code prohibits motorboats and propeller-driven vessels on the environmentally protected lake, making it legally impossible to position the fireworks barge at its intended launch site.
Bergin said organizers worked extensively with regulatory agencies throughout the planning process and accommodated every objection raised. The barge had been relocated away from nearby eagle nests, and the date had been moved from Memorial Day weekend in response to veteran community concerns.
The legislator expressed profound disappointment that the community tribute honoring those who gave their lives for the nation would not proceed this year.
Local residents showed divided reactions to the decision. Some questioned whether boat regulations were the genuine reason for cancellation or simply cover for yielding to activist pressure. One resident sarcastically suggested it was the boat law rather than thousands of people lobbying for the birds that caused the cancellation.
Resident Deirdre Danielson welcomed the news, citing concerns for nesting eagles as well as dogs and humans suffering from PTSD.
Neighbor Bill Kickler lamented that a small group of objectors had prevented an event meant to serve the broader community.
With information from New York Post
