On Monday, May 31st, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined the Longwood community to honor local heroes at a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony sponsored by the Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association, Central Brookhaven Lions Club, Troop 433 BSA and the Town of Brookhaven. The ceremony was held outside at Bartlett Pond Park in Middle Island and included songs and prayers, a wreath laying presentation, readings and remarks, and the unveiling of the newly added African American soldier Albert J. Freeman’s name on the Longwood Civil War Memorial.
“As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I have the greatest respect for the contributions and sacrifices our service members have made to preserve our freedoms,” said Legislator Anker. “Thank you to the Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association, and the community leaders and groups for hosting this important and commemorative event every year to remember our fallen heroes who selflessly dedicated their lives protecting our nation. Thank you also to Carlie Preudhomme for her impactful school project that gave our community the opportunity to honor and remember another local fallen hero who served bravely in the Civil War.”
Earlier this year, Longwood Junior High School student, Carlie Preudhomme, completed a school research project on Civil War soldier, Albert J. Freeman. Due to an error, Albert’s name was listed as “Elbert” and therefore no records of his service could be found and his name was not included on the Longwood Civil War Memorial. With the assistance of Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara Russell, her family, teachers and local librarian Melanie Cardone-Leathers, Carlie was able to confirm that Albert J. Freeman was an African American Civil War solider who was born in Middle Island in 1840 and served in the United States Colored Troops from 1863-1864. Due to Carlie’s project, Albert’s name has now been added to the Longwood Civil War Memorial. To view Carlie Preudhomme’s school project on American soldier Albert J. Freeman, please click here.
For more information please contact Legislator Anker’s office at (631) 854-1600.