The Work Force
July 1, 2025

CSEA members remember and honor on Memorial Day

By Wendi Bowie

From left, Frank Ellis, Michelle Ellis, Valerie Starken, Suffolk Educational Employees Local member Peter Starken and Christina Starken honor James A. Cunningham Jr., Peter Starken’s grandfather.

CSEA Long Island Region members and guests met at Calverton National Cemetery to honor members of the U.S. military who gave their lives while in service at the CSEA Long Island Region’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. 

This year’s ceremony was held at the grave of James A. Cunningham Jr., the grandfather of CSEA member Peter Starken, who was accompanied by members of his family.

During the ceremony, there were readings about fallen soldiers as well as kind words spoken about Cunningham. 

— Wendi Bowie

Long Island Region Recording Secretary Larry Germano reads a passage during the ceremony.
Suffolk Area Retirees Local member George Dobler honors those who died in service.
Suffolk Educational Employees Local member Debra Mann honors those who died in uniform.
Peter Starken honors his grandfather, James A. Cunningham Jr., as Long Island Judiciary Local activist Darlene Devlin and Long Island Region Recording Secretary Larry Germano look on.

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