MASTIC BEACH, NY – Fulfilling a promise made more than 40 years ago, Brookhaven Town Councilman Keith Romaine this evening offered a resolution renaming the Washington Memorial Field Park in Mastic Beach after a local resident who gave his life while serving in the Vietnam War. The measure was unanimously approved by the Town Board.
“Forty one years ago, Robert Miller made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, volunteering to serve in the Marine Corps to fight for his country, and the young family he left behind in Mastic Beach,” said Councilman Romaine. “Dedicating this park to the memory of Corporal Miller is a fitting tribute from the people of this Town, in grateful acknowledgement of the price he paid for our freedom.”
Robert A. Miller was a 32-year-old Marine Corporal who was killed in action while on patrol duty in Quang Nam, Vietnam on February 26, 1967. A father of two young children, Miller was a self-employed mason in the Mastic Beach community where he lived. He had reenlisted into the service in January 1966 after having served in the Marine Corps from 1953-56 during the Korean Conflict
Shortly after his death, the Shirley Taxpayers’ Association began a campaign to have the Town Park located behind his house on Silver Road named in his memory. Councilman Romaine’s resolution fulfills that pledge made by the community to the Miller Family, officially renaming the playing fields on Washington Avenue as Robert A. Miller Memorial Park
“More than two generations ago, Robert Miller could see this park from his back yard, look at the fields, and dream of the day that he would one day play ball there with his young son. Tragically, that day never happened, but his friends and neighbors vowed to make sure that his sacrifice would not be forgotten, and he would be forever linked with this park and this neighborhood,” said Councilman Romaine. “Tonight, we have fulfilled that promise.”
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