This story was reported by Lisa Colangelo, David Olson, Grant Parpan and Jean-Paul Salamanca . It was written by Olson. Long Island celebrated the nation’s 248th birthday Thursday with beachgoing, barbecues, picnics, parades and patriotic music.
As Stephen Giametta, 54, of Centereach, arrived at Smith Point County Park beach in Shirley Thursday morning, he noted the widespread national malaise — polls show sharp political polarization and discontent — but said Americans should be grateful for the freedom that many elsewhere don’t enjoy. "There's a lot of controversies these days in this country,” Giametta said. “People are upset about this and that.
I think if they went to other countries, they would see just how much freedom they have here; how much is accessible; the quality of life here." The ocean, he said, “is kind of symbolic of the country. It's wide open.
You can do what you want to do." Stephen Giametta, of Centereach, spent the holiday at Smith Point Beach in Shirley. Credit: Tom Lambui From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you.
By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . On the North Fork, in the bucolic hamlet of New Suffolk, hundreds, many clad in red, white and blue, lined New Suffolk Road to watch a small-town parade featuring fire trucks, classic cars, tractors and homemade floats. “It’s just so homey,” said Kathy Johannessen, of Huntington, who attends .
