American Legion Holds Tribute to Women in Military

The Smith Weaver Post 651 of the American Legion held its fifth annual celebration of Women's History Month at the newly named Lt. Florence Evans Memorial Park in Sayville recently.

Lt. Florence Evans was an Army nurse from Sayville who died on the final day of World War II. The Patchogue ROTC Color Guard opened the ceremony.

“This is a story that is dear to us because she was our local hero and she was killed on the last day of the war,” said former Town of Islip Councilman Chris Botkin, who was in attendance representing Leg. Bill Lindsay.  “Her story is quite a compelling one. She went to Sayville High School and then attended William & Mary College in the 1930s, which was rare for a woman. When the war broke out, she went to nursing school in New York City because she wanted to get involved and the only way she could get in was to become a nurse. She immediately went over to North Africa and was in back of the front lines of the war. She traveled from Italy to France, where she died on the last day of the war.”

Ironically, Sayville resident and Florence’s former schoolmate Carl Johnson is believed to be the first American casualty of WWII at Pearl Harbor. Florence was the only woman combat fatality on Long Island.

“We are very proud she is from Sayville,” Botkin added, who was one of the driving forces behind the opening of the park.

The American Legion members went on to recognize meaningful women from Long Island who are serving our country, presenting them with citations and medals. The presented two GoldStar parents with a certificate.

“I consider GoldStar parents a voice for families of past, present and future veterans,” said Mrs. McNorton, whose son was killed in Iraq.

Many local politicians made their way to the park to show their support. Congressman Steve Israel spoke to the crowd about preserving and protecting veterans’ benefits.

“We have secured $4.3 million for veterans in this town,” he said. “We keep being told we have to tighten our belts but I will make sure it’s never tightened when it comes to protecting our veterans. No one who dies for freedom will ever be forgotten and that’s what today is about.”

Assemblyman Al Graf and Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan also addressed the audience.

“We will retain our commitment to the veterans,” Nolan said. “They are entitled to our never-ending gratitude and support and these events are very important in remembering that.”

Councilman Gene Parrington added: “She was a she-ro. She was a mother, a wife, a nurse and she gave everything for her country. She represents Sayville and this is our way of showing our young children of today that we never forget.”

New York State Sen. Lee Zeldin said, “Let’s think about all the people over there now who are trying to be the nation’s next heroes.”

Retired Lt. Melody Thomas offered a look at how far women have come in the armed forces.

“Back in the days of the Civil War, women in the armed forces had to hide their gender. They weren’t discovered unless they died in combat and their clothes were taken off,” she said. “They have very limited opportunities and were segregated from the men. Women were seen as an auxiliary force. With each new conflict, women were offered more opportunities. More women have joined the military and they continue to break new barriers.

"The doors have been opened and women have expanded into combat roles. Once the door was opened, a flood of new women came through. They have paved the way and made it easier for today’s women to serve. Their roles continue to grow and expand. The women serving today are making inroads for the women of tomorrow.”