It was a wet and rainy Saturday on May 25, but that didn’t stop the Annual New Hyde Park Memorial Day Parade from kicking off. The parade, which had a delayed start began at Lakeville Road instead of Hillside Blvd. and ended on Jericho Turnpike.
New Hyde Park Mayor, Robert Lofaro and Deputy Mayor Lawrence Montreuil gave short speeches honoring local residents who served in the military. New York State Senator, Jack Martins, Nassau County Legislator, Rich Nicolello, County Clerk, Maureen O’Connell, Councilman, Angelo Ferraro and Town Clerk Leslie Gross were in attendance at the event.
“I want to thank those who participated with us on this rainy day to honor the fifty six New Hyde Park residents who died in battle for our country,” said Mayor Lofaro. “I also want to honor all residents who have died on battlefields around the world.”
Montreuil honored eight young soldiers from New Hyde Park who lost their lives fighting for our country.
“The students at New Hyde Park Memorial High School refer to themselves as the Gladiators,” said Montreuil. “Gladiators are imbued with skills, courage and confidence as they step on the field of battle. “I want to recognize eight young men who graduated from New Hyde Park Memorial who answered our nation’s call of duty and unfortunately did not return home from service.”
The eight names that Montreuil recognized were, John Rupert (20) John Finnegan (20) Michael Gallagher (21) John DiDomizio (19) Robert Finnegan (20) Robert Palenscar (21,) Ralph Manners (23) and John Ferrazzano (22).
A small gathering was held inside Village Hall at the conclusion of the parade. Coffee and refreshments were served to all who attended.
The New Hyde Park Village Board in March approved a request by VFW Post 8031 to hold the parade. Montreuil mentioned recently that attendance for the Memorial Day has been dropping, which he attributed to the parade being spread out on Jericho Turnpike.
Similar to the homecoming parade, Montreuil suggested beginning the parade on Lakeville Road.
