USMMA's Festival of Lights Thursday

The public is invited to attend one of the Great Neck area's longstanding holiday events — the Festival of Lights celebration at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point.

The 35th annual event, to be held Dec. 20 at the Mariner's Memorial Chapel overlooking the Long Island Sound, serves as a reminder to bring light to the dark places in ourselves and in the world, according to event organizers. 

“We come together at this time of year to celebrate the deeply-rooted values that have called us to serve our communities and our nation. We are very pleased to have the local community join our celebration,” said Rear Admiral James A. Helis, the USMMA superintendent.

The interfaith celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. with a prelude followed by a ceremony at 8 p.m. Reservations are required with chapel space limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to email ExternalAffairs@usmma.edu.

For those without e-mail, call 516-726-5594 and leave name, number of attendees and telephone number for reservations.

Members of the local community that are pre-registered for the celebration are encouraged to arrive early. 

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