A planned fireworks tribute to honor fallen soldiers on a Long Island lake has been called off after local authorities yielded to environmental advocates concerned about the welfare of bald eagles in the area.
The “Salute to Our Fallen” event, originally scheduled for May 30 at Lake Ronkonkoma, was canceled by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter. The decision came after activists threatened to stage protests.
Carpenter decided to cancel the display following prolonged opposition, as the event had already been postponed from Memorial Day due to concerns from veterans about the potential for fireworks to trigger PTSD episodes.
John Di Leonardo, who serves as the executive director of Humane Long Island, lauded the cancellation, emphasizing its importance for the preservation of local wildlife, including bald eagles.
“This choice safeguards America’s national bird during a critical nesting period and avoids unnecessary stress, displacement, and potential harm to wildlife,” Di Leonardo stated.
He pointed out the irony of a fireworks display that could endanger an iconic American symbol, noting that the noise might have displaced or injured the nearby nesting bald eagles.
Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin — who organized the firework show — blamed the cancelation on the Islip Town code, which bars motorboats and propeller-driven vessels on the environmentally sensitive lake.
This means the fireworks barge that Bergin and other organizers had planned to ignite the fireworks from had no legal way to reach its launch site, Bergin said.
“Throughout the planning process, we worked closely with regulatory agencies to address every concern raised,” Bergin said, adding that the “difficult decision” was made after exhausting all available options to move forward with the event.
“We moved the fireworks barge away from the nearby eagle’s nest and complied fully with all requests,” she said. “We also agreed to move the event from Memorial Day weekend out of respect for concerns raised by others.
“The ‘Salute to Our Fallen’ celebration was intended to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, and organizers are deeply disappointed that the community will not be able to gather for this year’s tribute,” Bergin added.
Residents were torn on the cancellation — with some not buying Bergin’s boat laws explanation.
“It was the boat … not the thousands of upset people pleading for the birds,” quipped resident Gen Lee.
Another resident, Deirdre Danielson, called the cancellation “great news.”
“There are Eagles nesting there, as well as think of the poor dogs and their humans who have PTSD,” Danielson said.
But neighbor Bill Kickler said it was a shame the event won’t happen because of the objections of a few.
“Karen wins, everyone else loses,” Kickler said.
