Michael Alfano Sculpture

On October 16, 2010 Michael Alfano's sculpture "Stand Up, Speak Out," was dedicated in its new location in the Garden of Hope at Memorial Plaza, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, New York.

The program featured talks from Nassau County representatives Executive Edward P. Mangano, Former County Executive Thomas Gulotta, District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey, Comptroller George Maragos, Legislator Norma Gonsalves, MADD Executive Tom McCoy and Chapter President Denna Cohen, Landscape Designer Ashley Palko of Goldberg and Rodler, Kiwanis Club President Jim Mancuso, and the sculptor. Attendees included families and friends of victims as well as volunteers from MADD and the Kiwanis. The sculpture was created as part of a the larger efforts of MADD and the county to end drunk driving. It features a victim lying on the ground, cradled by a caretaker, and a standing figure dramatically reaching out and calling all to action. The over life size figures are realistically sculpted as part of a moving and dynamic composition that draws the viewer fully around. In 1997, the sculpture was first installed at the Nassau County Courthouse, but defense lawyers argued for its removal, citing its potential influence in drunk driving cases. That prompted national media coverage and its move to the entrance of the Nassau County Medical Center. A recent change of ownership at the hospital led to the relocation to Eisenhower Park, which is an ideal venue for it.