On Saturday, May 15th 2009, several members of the Riverhead Fire Department went on a flag detail to welcome home severely wounded Army Corporal Christopher Levi, of Holbrook. Upon our arrival at the staging area we were happy to see many fire vehicles already waiting to ascend onto Veteran's Memorial Highway to set up a flag arches. There were at least thirty-four ladder trucks alone lining the street!
Riverhead's 102' Tower Ladder was paired up with Mastic Beach's Tower and together we draped a huge, 15 by 25 foot, flag between our extended ladders. In all, there were seventeen American Flags draped all down the highway. Even though the event coordinators waited for the last possible minute for us all to rush in and get set up, the last Eastbound mile of Veteran's Memorial Highway was completely shut down for at least an hour, waiting for this celebratory parade to finish.
In attendance for Riverhead was our Chief George Woodson, along with RedBird H&L members; 2nd Lieutenant Kevin Burgess, Ex-Captain Robert Szczepanik, Ex-Captain Raymond Kwasna, FF James Redmond and FF Andrej Ceckowski.
While waiting for Corporal Levi to arrive, we watched as all his neighbors and friends, and probably many complete strangers, began lining-up all along the entire parade route. They were all just waiting to wave their American Flags and hold up homemade signs welcoming back this true hometown hero.
When the procession finally started, after a ninety-minute flight delay, it was led by a squad of Suffolk County Police Department Motorcycles, behind them were various other motorcycle clubs. Some of these clubs were the Patriot Guard Riders, the Fire Riders MC, with RFD member Scott Robertson riding, Long Island's Chapter of ABATE, and the Riders of Fire MC, among many others.
Then an Army Jeep carrying Corporal Levi rode down our makeshift path of American Flags, flown in his honor. The crowd cheered wildly. As the wounded warrior approached, a salute order was given and all present snapped to attention in a very respectful welcome home to this exceptional soldier.
Above story written by web team members: FF Jim Redmond and Ex-Captain Ray Kwasna.
Waiting at the staging area with Mastic Beach FD, and many others.
Setting up: Just a few of the seventeen flag arches welcoming Corporal Levi home. Photo by Ex-Captain Ray Kwasna, taken from the bucket of Riverhead's Tower Ladder.
