Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. Military funeral of veteran at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Final Salute for Papa Les

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 25, 2025

Videos of Dad telling about his WWII photos are near end of post

a photographic memory

Dad died January 6, 2014, eight years to the day after Mom died.

Aunt Clare, our family powerhouse, came to Long Island from Maryland to help. My brother Lou’s family in North Carolina also wanted to come. But I was so overwhelmed just thinking about what lay ahead, I asked Lou to wait until he could help me pack up the family house. He and his wife Sarah were teachers, and I knew they couldn’t take off from work twice. Lou agreed to wait.

So I captured photos of Dad’s military funeral and made sure that family, especially Lou, saw “straight out of the camera” images right away. Because those photos have been popping up in my mind lately, I processed them, and today I sent Lou the link to this post.

Long Island National Cemetery 2014

Long Island National Cemetery

Farmingdale, N.Y., U.S. January 10, 2014. Honor Guard, holding bugle, salutes during final farewell for veteran SSgt Lester Parry at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

Dad wanted to be a pilot in the U.S. military during WWII. However, a fly ball hit one of his eyes when he was a teenager, causing blindness in that eye for months, and he didn’t qualify for pilot in the military eye exam.

(It was a great disappointment, but it might also have been great luck. If Dad had passed the eye exam and become a bomber, the most dangerous position for U.S. military, the odds of him surviving the war and going on to have a family would have been much lower.)

When Dad’s Army General Classification Test (AGCT) performance showed he had a photographic memory, he was assigned to intelligence in the U.S. Army Air Force, a member of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces.

Long Island National Cemetery

Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. Honor Guards fold an American flag into a triangle during final farewell for veteran SSgt Lester Parry at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

The simple, solemn Honor Guard ceremony during his military funeral was a moving thank you for Dad’s service to our country.

Three generations of our family heard the Honor Guard play taps on the bugle and witnessed them slowly, precisely fold the American flag into a triangle.

Long Island National Cemetery

Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. Honor Guard salutes during final farewell for veteran SSgt Lester Parry at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

As cemetery staff removed the engraved granite plaque from the niche in the columbarium, my younger daughter Laurie held that flag, and my older daughter Sue helped keep her toddler son – Mom and Dad’s first great-grandchild – entertained. When Sue herself was a toddler, she was the first ever to call Dad “Papa Les.”

Long Island National Cemetery

Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. Staff member removes granite plaque covering niche for ashes in columbarium, during final farewell for SSgt Lester Parry, with family attending, at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

It was my honor, my duty to place Dad’s ashes in the niche. Looking back, it was one of three times in my life – once before and once after that day – that I absolutely had to dissociate my mind from my emotions to do what had to get done. 

Long Island National Cemetery

Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. On the ground, a granite plaque for SSgt Lester Parry and Mary Ann Parry is ready to be placed over niche in Columbarium A1 Row C Site 47 during military funeral at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2014 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

open house

Along with the small family gathering at the military funeral, we had an open house celebrating Dad’s life.

Dad was a member of Merrick Post #1282 American Legion, and my daughters and I were members of the Auxiliary. So we warmly welcomed fellow members who joined the celebration 

Past Post Commander (Robert) Tom Riordan – a dear, supportive friend of our family – had had his own final roll call months earlier, and I like to think Tom had already signed Dad up to the American Legion post in their new neighborhood. 

close-up of orchid plant from Lou

Long Island, New York, U.S. June 22, 2025. This moth orchid, seen in close up, arrived from my brother Lou when our dad died 11 years ago. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 

Lou, Sarah, and their daughter Elizabeth sent a potted moth orchid that arrived in time to take an honored place in the living room bay window during the open house.

And months later, instead of packing up the family house, I decided to stay there. Our younger brother John had tragically died decades earlier, and Lou made it incredibly easy to buy his half of the home.

So the orchid plant still sits in the bay window, blooming pale pink flowers each winter.

Orchid plant from Loud

Long Island, New York, U.S. June 22, 2025. This moth orchid now resting between blooms, arrived from my brother Lou when our dad died 11 years ago. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 


Video Showcase 2011 

In this series of short videos from 2011, Dad tells about his WWII photos and related mementos, childhood photos, and recites from memory the poem “Mully Pounds the Keys” by his French American Banking Corporation colleague Walter Anderson.

 • CLICK “Start watching” at bottom of first video – or – scroll down this showcase to the video you want to watch:


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Farmingdale, New York, U.S. January 10, 2014. Honor Guard begins ceremony of folding American Flag during military funeral of veteran Lester Parry at Long Island National Cemetery. (© 2011 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Final Farewell to Papa Les (2014):  my PHOTO GALLERY

Orchid Plant (2025):  my PHOTO GALLERY

Video Showcase (2011) Lester Parry WWII:  vimeo.com/showcase/10056436

Lester Parry recites “Mully Pounds the Keys” by Walter Anderson: vimeo.com/annparry/parryanderson

Long Island National Cemetery: cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/LongIsland.asp

Merrick Post #1282 American Legion: merrickpost1282.org

Veterans Crisis Hotline:  call 988 and select 1  •  text 838255
• more info:  veteranscrisisline.net

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[Feature Photo] Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, Congressman TOM SUOZZI gives a thumbs up to SETH KOSLOW, at the Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive Spring Gala. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive Spring Gala

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
June 4, 2025

Five months until General Election

SETH KOSLOW, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, had a Spring Gala at City Cellar in Westbury this Monday.

His special guests were JAY JACOBS, the NYS Chair of the Democratic Committee; Congressman TOM SUOZZI; and former Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN.

VIDEO– from Seth Koslow’s speech at Spring Gala, 6/2/2025:

Koslow, a Nassau County legislator (LD 5 – Merrick), is challenging current Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican. On his site “TruthSocial,” President Trump endorsed Blakeman.

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, JAY JACOBS, Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee; former Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN; Nassau County Legislator SETH KOSLOW, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive; and Congressman TOM SUOZZI are at the Seth Koslow Spring Gala. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

First, Jacobs, Gillen, and Suozzi each spoke in support of Koslow’s candidacy. They also stressed how important it is to vote during this odd-year election. Voter turnout is traditionally lower when local races are the only ones on the ballot.

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, Congressman TOM SUOZZI explains why he supports Democrat SETH KOSLOW, at the Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive Spring Gala. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Koslow’s speech

After Koslow introduced his family and shared a brief background about himself, he explained why Nassau County needs a new County Executive. Then he said what his major goals are for the office of Nassau County Executive and gave examples of ways he plans to achieve those goals once he’s elected.

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. Back row, L-R, Congressman TOM SUOZZI, and Legislator SETH KOSLOW, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, are with members of Koslow’s family: L-R, his sister MICHELLE; his mother KAREN; his mother-in-law NANCY; and his wife JILL KOSLOW. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

  • his background

Seth Koslow was born in Baldwin, and he and his wife Jill are raising their three children, who go to public schools, in Merrick.

After leaving the DA office, he started his own legal practice in this area.

When he ran for Nassau County legislator two years ago, he was able to get the backing of all three police unions because, as he said, they understood he isn’t extreme and he wants to get the job done.

  • change needed

Koslow said, “Under Bruce Blakeman, our taxes have gone up and our trust has gone down, and that’s a problem, We have to change that.”

  • militia

Koslow said that the first thing he’s going to do when elected is “disband that ridiculous militia.”

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, JILL KOSLOW, former Nassau County Executive LAURA CURRAN, Congressman TOM SUOZZI, and NY Assemblywoman CATALINA CRUZ (District 39), are at the Spring Gala for Seth Koslow, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, and Jill’s husband. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

  • potholes – police patrols – property taxes

Summarizing most of what he’s running for and why he’s running, Koslow said, “This campaign is all about potholes, police patrols, and property taxes.”

So, he explained, “if it doesn’t make it more affordable to live here, if it doesn’t keep you safer, or it doesn’t fix a road, it’s simply not a priority.”

  • make county more affordable

Koslow said that, as soon as he’s elected and takes office, he’ll enlist the State Controller’s Office to do a full audit of county spending.

He’ll cut wasteful spending to give back to the taxpayers.

Koslow’s goal is to get things done, to do the job – unlike, he said, the current county executive.

outside legal fees

To save money Koslow’s going to cut 15 million dollars spent on outside legal feels in outside council.

county cars

Koslow said many non-essential employees have some of the over 100 county cars, with insurance gas and vehicles paid for by the county. He wants to stop this unnecessary spending.

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, SETH KOSLOW, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, and VIVIANA RUSSELL, candidate for Nassau County Legislative District 2, are at the Koslow Spring Gala. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

  • safety

Koslow will work with police departments and police unions to find inefficiencies, to make sure departments are fully staffed, and police officers aren’t overworked with so much overtime.

He said, “And I want to make sure our police are doing the best they can to keep us the  safest county in America, that they were under Laura Curran.”

  • his promise

Seth Koslow promised, “I’m going to be a county executive for everybody… I’m going to do what’s best for Nassau County.” 

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, JILL KOSLOW and her husband SETH KOSLOW, the Democratic candidate for Nassau County Executive, are at his Spring Gala. Seth Koslow is a Nassau County legislator (Democrat – 5th District). (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Watch the video of the speech (near top of this post) for an even fuller understanding of Seth Koslow the candidate and why he’s running for Nassau County Executive.  


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. L-R, Congressman TOM SUOZZI gives a thumbs up to SETH KOSLOW at the Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive Spring Gala. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


NYS General Election 2025 useful info:

NYS Register to Vote: https://elections.ny.gov/register-vote
online voter registration; change address…

NYS Ways to Vote: https://elections.ny.gov/ways-vote
request ballot; early voting…

NYS General Election Dates:
Nov 4 – General Election
Oct 25-Nov 2 Days of Early Voting for General Election

Downloadable document with additional useful info:
https://elections.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/12/2025-political-calendar-quad-fold-final-12.5.2024.pdf


Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive: my Photo Gallery

Seth Koslow for County Executive: sethkoslow.com

CONTACT ME

“Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive

Westbury, New York, U.S. June 2, 2025. The Seth Koslow for Nassau County Executive Spring Gala is held at City Cellar. (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

[Feature Photo] Merrick, New York, U.S. May 29, 2025. Traffic lights during dusk at intersection of Merrick Ave and Merrick Road. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)

Taking Note of Traffic Lights

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 31, 2025

Intersection of Merrick Ave & Merrick Road

At dusk this Thursday, traffic lights and electric wires created beautiful sheet music at the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Merrick Road. I used my iPhone Pro 15 to capture images.

traffic lights in Merrick (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, New York, May 29, 2025. Traffic lights and electric wires create sheet music at the intersection of Merrick Avenue and Merrick Road. (© 2025 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

It was so foggy the next night, I returned to capture images of the same intersection.

traffic lights in Merrick (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, New York, U.S. May 29, 2025. Traffic lights during foggy night at intersection of Merrick Ave. and Merrick Rd. (© 2025 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

traffic lights in Merrick (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Merrick, New York, U.S. May 29, 2025. Traffic lights during foggy night at intersection of Merrick Ave. and Merrick Rd. (© 2025 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)

traffic lights in Merrick (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

[enhanced saturation] Merrick, New York, U.S. May 29, 2025. Traffic lights during foggy night at intersection of Merrick Ave. and Merrick Rd. (© 2025 Ann Parry, AnnParry.com)


FEATURE PHOTO  (at top of post) – Merrick, New York, U.S. May 29, 2025.  (© 2025 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)


Solar Eclipse 2024 at CAM: my PHOTO GALLERY

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