Get ready for an unforgettable remembrance.
On Flag Day (Saturday, June 14), Maple Grove Cemetery presents a unique and heartfelt event that combines art, history, literature and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
To take place at Celebration Hall, the activities start at noon with the unveiling of an exhibition of authentic uniforms and gear from World War II. The curator is passionate preservationist Sean Miller, who has amassed a large collection of WWII memorabilia despite being only 21 years of age.
Then at 1:30 pm, Carl Ballenas – whose resume includes 40 years as a social studies teacher, author or co-author of seven books, and vice president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society – will offer a PowerPoint presentation on his latest tome, Peaceful They Rest in Glory Everlasting. Published by the Friends of Maple Grove, this work shares anecdotes, newspaper articles, and photographs to tell the stories of 27 Kew Gardens natives who died during WW II. After his presentation, Ballenas will sell and sign copies, while light refreshments are served.
Then, there’s the secret weapon to make this event extra, super duper, turbo, uber special. Dominick Critelli (bottom image), who grew up in Kew Gardens and did a 151 combat stint during the Battle of the Bulge, will attend. The U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, who is now 104 years old, was in the 95th Infantry Division of the 378th Infantry Regiment.
In November 1944 as part of an Artillery Aviation Unit, Critelli flew behind enemy lines to drop supplies to isolated American troops stuck on the enemy side of a bridgehead. Over a four-day period, he flew 14 of these missions precisely dropping food, medicine, and supplies to friendly troops even a several dozen bullet holes pierced the wings of his plane. For his brave service, he received the Air Medal as well as a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
Attendance to these Flag Day activities is free, but donations are accepted. Maple Grove’s main entrance is 127-15 Kew Gardens Rd. There’s free parking on site.
Celebrated every June 14, Flag Day commemorates the Second Continental Congress’s official adoption of Old Glory as the nation’s flag on that date in 1777. It’s not a federal holiday, but some states practice it.
Editor’s note: Ballenas wrote Peaceful They Rest in Glory Everlasting with RHHS President Helen Day who is also sare dedicated cemetery historians and community preservationists who have worked closely for many years.
Bonus
At 4 pm on this same day, multi-published author Nick Hirshon will discuss his Images of America book The Lost Landmarks of Forest Hills in the same venue. A former reporter with the Daily News and DNA Info, he’s also written We Want Fish Sticks: The Bizarre and Infamous Rebranding of the New York Islanders (2018, the University of Nebraska Press), and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (2010, Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America).
Editor’s note: The 27 Kew Gardens natives who died during WWI are permanenty honored a Maple Grove. Their names are inscribed on a memorial on Lefferts Boulevard.
Top two photos: Maple Grove Cemetery;
Bottom photo courtesy of RainbowDee
Spread out of 65 acres, Maple Grove Cemetery is located off Queens Boulevard and in the vicinity of Van Wyck Expressway in Kew Gardens. It is an active, non-sectarian burial ground, where NBA basketball star Anthony Mason and Dwayne “The Pearl” Washington are at eternal rest among countless others. The Maple Grove Cemetery Association, which was organized in 1875, is the nonprofit operator.