Legislator Lindsay & LT Michael P. Murphy Museum Board Break Ground On 1st US Navy Seal Museum In The Northeast
West Sayville, NY - November 3, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay III was joined by his colleagues in the legislature, as well as New York State Senator Tom Croci and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to break ground on the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum. The elected officials stood side by side with LT Murphy’s parents; Daniel J. Murphy and Maureen T. Murphy, LT Murphy’s brother, John Murphy, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini, Navy CDR (ret) Clark Brigger, LCDR Charles Nogueras, and members of the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum Board.
The proposed state-of-the-art facility will be constructed on the property of Charles P. Dominy Park in West Sayville. It will be the first Navy SEAL Museum in the Northeast and the second SEAL museum in the United States. The museum will be built, and utilized in honor, and memory of LT Michael P. Murphy. LT Murphy was a graduate of Patchogue Medford High School (Class of ’94), and Pennsylvania State University (Class of ’98). After completion of his college degree, he worked diligently to become a Navy SEAL; after years of hard work and dedication he was bestowed the honor of United States Navy SEAL Lieutenant. LT Murphy lost his life on June 28, 2005, while serving in Afghanistan. For his actions, bravery, and valor, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, as well as the Medal of Honor, which quite notably made him the first member of the Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.
This groundbreaking was a long-awaited day for Legislator Lindsay, who first put forth legislation in 2014 to authorize the LT Michael P. Murphy Sea Cadet Program in West Sayville, which brokered a partnership between the cadets and the Long Island Maritime Museum (Resolution 451 -2014). In 2016 Legislator Lindsay created legislation which authorized the county to allow for the future construction of the Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum on the property of the Charles P. Dominy Park (Resolution 788-2016). The cadets will operate on the museum grounds once the facility officially opens. After this accomplishment, he worked diligently along with County Executive Bellone, Senator Croci, and the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum Board to initiate this undertaking. “I was humbled and honored to join the Murphy family at the groundbreaking for a museum that will honor their son’s life, as well as provide historical and educational benefits for our community,” said Legislator Bill Lindsay III. “We must teach our children to have respect for our men and women in the military who serve each day to protect us, and to never forget the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives to keep our freedom intact.”
LT Michael P. Murphy’s father, Daniel J. Murphy, was extremely proud to break ground and kickoff the start of a paramount creation. “The Murphy family is thrilled that Michael's legacy of service and sacrifice is again recognized by the citizens of Suffolk County with this building aptly called the "LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum/Sea Cadet Training Facility,” said Gold Star Parent Daniel J. Murphy. “One of Michael's favorite sayings was, ‘Education will set you free' and this building will not only preserve the history and heritage of our special operations warriors (Navy SEALs), but also educate our future leaders within the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. This museum was made possible because of the strong support of County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay and State Senator Tom Croci who clearly honor our Nation's warriors and fallen heroes not just in words, but by their actions."
The classroom of the museum will serve as a learning center for the LT Michael P. Murphy Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. They will continue to honor LT Murphy’s legacy by offering nautically oriented training for children between the ages of 10 and 17. They also provide education pertaining to basic seamanship and seagoing skills, and also instill a sense of patriotism and self-reliance.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was an instrumental component throughout the planning process for the museum’s conception. "The Lieutenant Michael Murphy Museum will be a welcomed addition to our historically rich and vibrant community in West Sayville," said County Executive Bellone. "LT Murphy gave his life in service to this country and it is only fitting that we honor his memory and celebrate the valors of others like him who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.”
Senator Tom Croci partnered with Legislator Lindsay, Suffolk County Executive Bellone, and the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum Board to make this vision of a groundbreaking become a reality. “I am so very proud that this community will be the home of the first Navy Seal Museum in the Northeast,” said NYS Senator Tom Croci. “I cannot think of a more fitting, living tribute to the sacrifice and valor of LT Michael Murphy and the warriors of the Naval Special Warfare Community. We must not forget the role they have played in defending our freedom and this great Republic. I would like to thank Dan and Maureen Murphy and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator Bill Lindsay and all of my colleagues in local government for making this vision a reality. It is an honor to have this SEAL Museum on the South Shore of Long Island."
The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum will provide visitors with opportunities to interact with and learn about the SEAL Community, as well as preserve the history and honor of the Navy SEALS. Completion of the Museum will be late 2018/early 2019.