Last weekend, residents and friends of New Hyde Park gathered along a parade route from Hillside Boulevard to Memorial Park, just off New Hyde Park Road to celebrate the village’s 89th Annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade, held each weekend of Memorial Day, honors those killed while serving in the nation’s military branches.
No rain date needed here, the weather remained accommodating and invited participation from more than 20 local groups, clubs and organizations, including village officials and New York State Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt, Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, and Councilman Angelo Ferrara.
The first stop after the parade kicked off was at the War Memorial located on the front lawn of the Village Hall. The first wreath was placed on the rock memorial, while the names of troops killed during WWI, WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars were read and Gold Star Families were recognized. There are more than 56 past residents of New Hyde Park among the war dead that are honored at this parade each year.
The parade re-assembled and continued marching north on New Hyde Park Road to Memorial Field. Families, from the youngest to the oldest, lined Lincoln Avenue and filled the park, welcoming the procession in honor of our military heroes.
Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro carried out the master of ceremonies duties for the day, but not before Anna Garvin, sang the Star Spangled Banner. Senior Vice Commander of the local VFW Post #8031 Mario Obertis delivered the invocation and Reverend Robert Kelly, Pastor of Beacon Church of Long Island in New Hyde Park gave a brief ceremony benediction. Immediately following, Grand Marshal Chuck Ulrich of the American Legion and Edward Smolenski of the VFW placed the second ceremonial wreath while a rifle salute, Taps and followed by the National Anthem.
At the end of the parade, all were invited back to New Hyde Park Village Hall for refreshments.
