I just wanted to write and say how sad it was for me to hear that the Annual Hicksville Parade and Drill have been permanently cancelled. This was so much a part of my life as a child. My sisters and I still reminisce about the fun we had at the parade and drill. My father was a fireman with the Great Neck Vigilants from his 20s until his death in 1976 (35 years).
Our family always went to this on Labor Day and us girls have told our children about it. We always get so excited when we talk about it. The family has even recently talked about going to one in the future on Labor Day when we could all get together. I guess this will not happen. I feel sad for the families who really knew and enjoyed this function but I know things do come to an end sooner or later. In my heart it will be missed and I know many others will miss it dearly also.
The Labor Day Parade and Drill was one of the many Hicksville Fire Department functions that kept many families going while times were tough.
Ann (Pritchett) Chelette
