In celebration of Earth Day, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) dedicated the Unique Area on Meadow Road in Kings Park to local hero, Sgt. Clarence Hylan Beavers of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, aka the Triple Nickles. Carrie Meek Gallagher, the DEC Region 1 Director, joined with Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick, Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Councilman Tom Lohmann, USDA Forest Service officials, surviving members of 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and members of Sgt. Beavers’ family, unveiled an interpretive kiosk and dedication of the Kings Park trail (known as the Unique Area) in memory the the World War II, Triple Nickle paratrooper.
“As Assemblyman Fitzpatrick and Councilman Lohmann will tell you, we had a week filled with events. And everywhere we went, people were talking about Sgt. Beavers and his extraordinary life. Every time you bring your family here or happen to pass this beautiful trail, remember how he lived, devoted to his family, nation and fellow man.” – Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo
Sgt. Clarence Hylan Beavers, who passed away on December 4th, 2017, was the last surviving member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion’s first class of all African-American paratroopers. During WWII, Sgt. Beavers and his fellow Triple Nickle paratroopers worked a joint military and Forest Service mission, together with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service on Operation Firefly. The mission was intended to prevent Japanese incendiary bomb attacks from destroying the nation’s western forests.
The 0.3-mile accessible trail and interpretive kiosk is located in the Unique Area on Meadow Road in Kings Park. The dedication of the trail to Huntington resident Sgt. Clarence Hylan Beavers is meant to raise awareness to how the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion pioneered the nation’s smokejumper program, which contributed to the integration of the U.S. military in 1948.