PHOTOS: Veterans Memorial Park Dedicated on Opening Day

Riverhead Little League held its opening day ceremonies on Saturday morning, though this year, the league had something beside a new season to celebrate: the opening of Veterans Memorial Park.

The Route 25 park was dedicated to two Wading River men who gave their lives while in the line of duty: Sgt. Jonathan Keller and Sfc. Anthony Venetz.

"Because of their sacrifice, and all other veterans, we stand here on this ballfield as a free people," said Councilman George Gabrielsen, the recreation committee liaison who has spearheaded the beleaguered park's opening.

Stuck in limbo for several years due to a lack of proper permits, despite having near-completed fields, the four-diamond park hosted its first games on Saturday, offering an alternative to leagues – both in-town and out – to play on quality turf in Riverhead.

Little League President Tony Sammartano noted that the town will be hosting New York State's softball finals in July, as the teams' last stop before they head to the Little League Softball World Series.