Harbor Light’s Patriotic Christmas Tree Radiates Faith, Family and Friends

By Kami-Leigh Agard

Walk into Harbor Light and see for yourself why the beloved restaurant’s Christmas tree can’t be missed. Not just because of the festive bulbs, tinsel and sparking lights—but the standout—mini American flags adorning the tree. These flags shine as a beacon of what unites the peninsula, Broad Channel, NYC, and the country as a whole—our first responders—faith, family and friends. As Harbor Light co-owner, Bernadette Heeran-McCann, a life-long resident of the peninsula, shared, “‘Our tree definitely signifies that yes, we care about being true Americans. In this crazy world, America will always be on top and through pure patriotism, we ensure it will remain that way. And Aunt Kathy, who each year decorates the tree—is an angel—the heart and soul of Harbor Light.”

The Christmas tree first came to Ireland in the 1840s via Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, but traditional Irish homes used native evergreens like holly and ivy for midwinter decoration long before, a practice with Celtic roots symbolizing life and protection, evolving into the modern Christmas tree.

On a small peninsula in the U.S.A, life and protection have become the bulwark of Harbor Light’s patriotically decorated Christmas tree.

According to Heeran-McCann, the restaurant’s American flag-themed Christmas tree began when Harbor Light reopened in November of 2019 after seven arduous years of rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. When electrical fires sparked by Sandy raged through Belle Harbor and burned businesses to the ground in 2012, the Heeran family didn’t hesitate in their commitment to rebuild the landmark restaurant which had been a staple since 1980. Then COVID hit, and businesses were mandated to shutter in March of 2020.

This came after past tragedies, including being deeply impacted by 9/11, as their brother, Charlie Heeran, a Cantor Fitzgerald employee who worked in the World Trade Center, was killed that day at just 23 years old. Walter Heinz, an FDNY Captain who had first opened the Harbor Light with Bernie Heeran and Thomas Farragher, also died on 9/11. The Harbor Light’s chef, William Whelan, also lost his brother, Eugene Whelan, that day. Two months after that, tragedy struck again as Flight 587 came crashing down just across the street from the restaurant which quickly became a triage center for any victims. But there were no survivors. Among the victims on the ground was Charlie Heeran’s best friend, Chris Lawler. However, through it all, like the beacon of light that stands high above the restaurant, the Harbor Light has always risen above, with patriotism at the forefront of all they do, including starting the annual Freedom Fest in 2022.

But according to Heeran-McCann, the patriotic tree was always Kathy Roberts’ idea, their aunt with the magic touch. “Aunt Kathy continued to be the heart and soul of Harbor Light. She should get all the praise. Every detail you see with our tree’s decorations, any decor you see in the restaurant are all Aunty Kathy. She cares about everything and everyone. Each detail you see, comes from the amazing person she is. This place wouldn’t be standing without her. Each year, she makes the Christmas Tree even more special.”

Also, Heeran-McCann credits Harbor Light’s love for the American flag and overall patriotism to its FDNY and NYPD roots.

“My dad and both of my brothers served in the FDNY, plus we have family members and friends in the NYPD. So, naturally we support all city workers. I work for the Department of Education (DOE) at Waterside School as a school counselor. So, serving the community is a big thing in our family.

“Christmas may not be a tradition that everybody celebrates. So, yes, at Harbor Light, we appreciate and celebrate all traditions with families. We want people to come here and celebrate life. However, unfortunately, the holidays could be a sad time for people. Like all of us, who miss Pat Brady so much. At Harbor Light, we just hope that we can make it a little bit easier for those grieving a loved one,” Heeran-McCann said.

In the eulogy for the late Harbor Light bartender and her best friend, Heeran-McCann shared the following: “Pat’s mom said in an interview after Hurricane Sandy about the three Fs—faith, family, and friends. Everyone here in this community cares about each other because that is Rockaway. And in the words of Pat’s dad, Dennis, and something I say to my daughters all the time, treat people the way you want to be treated because Pat truly lived that. He always went the extra mile.”

With Harbor Light’s American flag adorned Christmas tree, the following lyrics from this Christmas carol rings through:

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely…

Each year you bring to us delight, with brightly shining Christmas light!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, we learn from all your beauty.
Your bright green leaves with festive cheer, give hope and strength throughout the year. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, we learn from all your beauty.”

And Harbor Light’s Christmas Tree’s beauty is rooted in faith—family—community. Go see for yourself. Harbor Light is located at 129-18 Newport Ave. For more info, follow: harborlightpub on Instagram.