Long Island soldier killed in action in Iraq 20 years ago honored in Wantagh
Proceeds raised at the event are donated to multiple charities, including the Wounded Warriors Project and the Northport PTSD Veterans Association.
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A Long Island soldier who was killed in action in Iraq 20 years ago was honored in Wantagh Saturday.
For 20 years, people have come to the annual event to honor Staff Sgt. James McNaughton.
The pipes and drums played loudly at Mulcahy's in Wantagh to honor McNaughton.
“No parent wants their child forgotten, so it’s bittersweet," said McNaughton's mother, Michele McNaughton.
It's been nearly two decades since McNaughton was killed by sniper fire in Iraq.
He was a 27-year-old New York City police officer serving in the army reserve. His friends have organized this benefit in his memory now for 20 years.
His friend, Vinny Zecca, says McNaughton was killed during a mission he volunteered for.
“He volunteered over those people because those other soldiers had children. There’s two of them here today and they’re still here today and their kids have fathers because of Jimmy," Zecca said.
Hundreds of people come to this benefit every year, including people who served with McNaughton who live across the country.
"They come from all over just to honor and remember," said Michele McNaughton.
Proceeds raised at the event are donated to multiple charities, including the Wounded Warriors Project and the Northport PTSD Veterans Association.
“We want to make sure we’re honoring not just Jimmy and not just any fallen soldiers but also the soldiers and first responders that are still alive and still here," Zecca said.
McNaughton's family and friends say he was brave, kind and would give one the shirt off his back.
“People remember that because that’s just who he was. People want to honor and remember somebody like that," said McNaughton's mother.
News 12 is told more than 100,000 people have attended this event over the last 20 years.
