A congratulations is in order for senior Subi Chockalingam, who was asked to speak at the Memorial Day Ceremony in Westhampton on May 28, 2012.

The VFW Post of Quogue recognized Subi’s passion for community service, and asked him to speak at their annual Memorial Day ceremony.  Subi accepted the honor, but said he “decided that this was a day about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us” and instead, he spoke about the real reason they were all gathered.  Here is an excerpt from his speech:

“Memorial day is designated as one day on the calendar, but in the hearts of every American, it really is every day. The ultimate sacrifice comes from those who fight for their country as they sacrifice time away from their family and their lives to protect our freedoms. They bear conditions we can’t even fathom, and they live their lives in an entirely different mindset while in combat. They may not have the luxuries we do when they are fighting to protect us, but one way or another, they have gone in with their heads held high, and come back as respected veterans that fight for us Americans, and fight for our liberties and our country. So thank you to those who have served, currently serve and who have sacrificed themselves for us. America is the land of the free, because it is the home of the brave.Im asking you all today, to not just respect our vets.everyday, whether they are from the marines, air force, navy, coast guard etc. but to show them your appreciation by thanking them, saluting them, and hanging your American Flag with pride. Freedom is not free, and as we have seen, our veterans and soldiers have made that sacrifice to obtain freedom. My hats off to all of you, and I am proud to say I am from Westhampton, a town full of hometown heroes.”

Also this month, several Junior Firefighters from Westhampton Beach spoke to 200 peers with FBI Special Agent Daniele Messieo at the Ronkonkoma Fire Department about Internet safety and cyberbullying.

The Westhampton Beach Junior Firefighter program is nationally recognized for their work.  If you are interested in joining, see Subi Chockalingam for more information.