There was room for both the somber and the silly this Memorial Day as Long Islanders walked in parades honoring America?s veterans and hit the beaches for some sun.

Robert Moses State Park was packed on Memorial Day as Long Islanders kicked off the unofficial start of summer.

?I?m living the dream,? said Gary Schollmeyer, who was surrounded by friends. ?It?s great.?

While the water may have been too chilly for some, two boys found a different way to entertain themselves - by ?digging ? to China.

And what happens when things heat up near the Earth?s core? ?We're going to get [fire] suits and get the fire department and lots of water,? said one of the boys.

Lifeguards at the state park did stress that this is the time of year when most drowning incidents occur due to the cold water temperatures and spike in inexperienced swimmers.

Meanwhile, parades in Lynbrook, Bayville, Patchogue and other towns paid tribute to soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in wars present and past. The sounds of marching bands filled the air in seas of red, white and blue as veterans young and old took part.

Lisa Pignataro, who watched the Bayville parade with her son, said she hopes he gets the message. It?s "an appreciation for what our country has, the freedom we have, and how hard our veterans work to provide that for us,? she said.

Click for more on parades held throughout the Island.