Bethpage celebrates America’s 250th with parade, WWII veteran tribute

By Holli Haerr

Bethpage pride was on full display Friday as the community celebrated America’s 250th birthday with a parade down Broadway and a patriotic serenade from a 105-year-old World War II veteran.

With temperatures climbing into the low 90s, much of the crowd gathered along the shady side of the street to watch the festivities.

Rob O’Hara, who grew up in Bethpage, was excited to attend with his family despite the heat. He called the nation’s 250th birthday “a magic moment.”

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Andrew Kuzma, 75, portrayed Uncle Sam during the parade.

“I was riding with the Chamber of Commerce float, waving to everyone, and I’m also at the Embassy Diner, the greeter from 6-9 in the evening hours,” said Kuzma, of Levittown. “It’s a great honor, especially to be in a parade for the first time. Normally, I’m on the sideline waving to all the marchers, but this year, very special.”

Kuzma added, “Our forefathers made the foundation of what America is today and we just have to continue with their traditions, follow the Constitution and support the president.”

The parade featured several local organizations and pieces of Bethpage history, including a Northrop Grumman float carrying a replica of the Apollo Lunar Module.

Members of the Bethpage Water District, Bethpage Fire Department and local Police Athletic League teams also marched. Veterans and vehicles from the Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage joined the procession.

Blanka Oh attended to watch her son play trombone in the middle school band.

“It’s wonderful to be part of the community and celebrate America and celebrate our 250th anniversary,” she said.

Vocalists from the school district’s choruses performed patriotic songs from a stage near the end of the parade route.

“It was fun,” said Lina Waris, who recently graduated from eighth grade. “I think it’s always cool being part of big moments in history. There’s never going to be another 250th.”

Following the parade, Bethpage School Superintendent David Schneider, who served as master of ceremonies, introduced 105-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli.

Critelli spent 151 days in combat and earned several medals, including the Air Medal for flying 14 missions behind enemy lines to deliver supplies and medicine to American troops.

He performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and spoke to the crowd about his love for the country.

The celebration continued with a street fair and live music. Fundraising raffles also benefited several charitable causes, including the St. Martin of Tours Food Pantry and Long Island Cares.

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