GLEN COVE, NY. -- The Inaugural Dan Daly Cup took place June 21, at Glen Clove High School’s Maiden Field, bringing the community and local Marines together in remembrance of a Glen Cove native hero, Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly. Daly is a recipient of two Medals of Honor, the greatest honor given in service to one’s country.
The event began with a rededication to the Dan Daly Memorial highlighting Daly’s legacy and accomplishments. A certificate of appreciation and a flag were presented to Barbara A. Ransweiler- Harcourt, the great grandniece of Daly.
“It’s amazing and I’m just speechless, I’m just so proud,” said Ransweiler-Harcourt. “There’s a difference between ordinary and extraordinary, Dan Daly was that difference. It’s just such an honor to be related to such an extraordinary man.”
Ransweiler–Harcourt was one of many speakers at the event. Following Ransweiler–Harcourt the Mayor of Glen Cove spoke a few words on Daly’s behalf.
“It’s a very proud time for Glen Cove,” said Reginald Spinello, the mayor of Glen Clove. “We get to honor a home town hero; it gives us a chance to brag about Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly and our veterans.”
Following the conclusion of the rededication ceremony, Marines and poolees from Recruiting Station New York marched along with the Quantico Marine Corps Band, to Glen Cove High School’s Maiden Field, the location where the Dan Daly Cup would be held.
Team Valor and Team Virtue, the opposing teams in the Dan Daly Cup, were composed of the top junior high school lacrosse players in Long Island. After a week of practice and leadership seminars hosted by Marines, the teams came together on the field, playing as would be expected of Long Island’s best.
The halftime period consisted of music from the Marine Corps band, and poolees from RSNY reciting the oath of enlistment.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to bring the community together, not just the Glen Cove community but the communities of every one of those young men and women on the field today,” said Maria L. Rianna, the superintendent of Glen Cove School District. “It is just an incredible opportunity to work with the Marines, and the city and just enhance the pride of Glen Cove schools.”
After four quarters, Team Valor emerged the victors with a final score of 15-7.
“This was the Inaugural Dan Daly Cup,” said Rianna. “It’s great for us to come together in a very positive manner and honor this great man.”