Residents Honor Country, Celebrate with Family

The first thing South Setauket residents Faye and Bob Greene did on Sunday was hang a new flag outside the thrift shop at their church, St. Gerard Majella in Port Jefferson Station.

"There was a flag, but it was torn. We went and got a new flag so it would look better," said Bob Greene, a retired New York City firefighter who fought in the Vietnam War.

Across town, as Three Villagers celebrated Independence Day with family and friends, many took the time to remember the reasons for celebration.

"I think it's good to reflect on everything that we have, everything that we enjoy and take for granted," Setauket resident Tricia Ferzoco said while relaxing Sunday at West Meadow Beach with her family.

Another Setauket resident, Stephanie D'Alto, talked about the meaning of Independence Day with her family before heading out to the beach.

"Remember the struggles that our forefathers went through to make this country as it amazing as it is, and how far we've come in such a short period of time," D'Alto said.

Mark Churches agreed. But the Port Jefferson resident, celebrating the holiday with his friends Faith and Ed Holmquist in Old Field, added another thoughtful point.

"Hopefully it's maintained. It's on the precipice a little bit," Churches said.

Karen Miller of Setauket remembers celebrating Independence Day as a child with Girl Scout parades and games in the local schoolyard. She thought it a shame that many retail stores remained open on July 4.

"People work too hard," Miller said. "They deserve to have off."

Miller's husband Lew summed up the spirit of the holiday: "I just think it's important to remind people of where we came from."