Three veterans salute the flag as taps is played in honor of Memorial Day. In addition to other Memorial Day ceremonies, a unique anniversary was held at the Garden City Railroad Station on May 26th. It was to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the electrification of the railroad through Garden City and into Hempstead. It was May 26, 1908 when residents gathered at the 1898 station to witness the first electric train come through, one hundred years to the day at the very same station. A small ceremony marked the anniversary.

Photo by John Ellis Kordes

Mr. and Mrs. Greco in period dress delighted onlookers on a very sunny Memorial Day. Mr. Greco in his Vintage Buick which may have been parked in front of this same railroad station 100 years ago as the first electric train pulled in. Railroad President Helena Williams presents Garden City's Mayor Peter Bee with a plaque commemorating 100 years of electric train service to Garden City. Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, LIRR President Helena Williams, Cyril Smith (who organized the event), State Senator Kemp Hannon and Garden City's Mayor Peter Bee. A highlight of the event was a speech given by Garden City High School student Elizabeth Slattery on railroad history, and its importance to our lives today. The Long Island Railroad President and Garden City resident Helena Williams were on hand to commemorate this anniversary. New York State Senator Kemp Hannon addressed the gathering.