From Manhasset Post 304, American Legion
Matthew Falcone, commander of the Manhasset Post 304 American Legion, and James Brooks, parade chairman, have announced the parade order and schedule for the 2014 Manhasset Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Services.
All Manhasset residents, their families and friends are invited to join the Legion in this remembrance of the great sacrifices of our American heroes.
While Memorial Day honors all deceased veterans, the theme of the parade this year, “Saluting the Academies that Shape America,” recognizes our service personnel now attending the academies who will eventually be engaged in the effort to preserve American freedom and way of life.
Memorial Services
A memorial service in honor of Manhasset’s war dead will be held at the Church of St. Mary, 1300 Northern Boulevard, on Sunday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m.
The Legion and Boy Scout Troop 97 will place American flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries and will participate with other Legion posts in decorating the graves at the Long Island National Cemetery in Pinelawn.
The Legion has also donated American flags which will be placed on the light poles along Plandome Road by the Manhasset Park District.
Before the parade begins, the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department will honor veterans by placing wreaths at the Gold Star Monument and at the Memorial Field Veterans’ Monument. The Legion will also place wreaths, during the parade.
The Parade
The Memorial Day Parade begins promptly at 10 a.m. More than 25 organizations and four bands are scheduled to march. The parade will include many fire trucks from our local fire departments.
The route of the parade will be along Plandome Road from Plandome Court to Memorial Place with excellent public viewing along the entire length.
Parade Line-up
Those planning to march in the parade are expected to be present, ready to march, in their designated assembly areas no later than 9:30 a.m.
The First Division, which assembles on Plandome Court South at Plandome Road, facing west, includes the America’s Guardians Motorcycle Club escort; the American Legion Commander Matthew Falcone and First Division Commander Thomas Buzzitta; American Legion Colors and Banner; American Legion members; Inisfada Gaelic Pipe Band; American Legion vehicles, Poppy Queen vehicle; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304 and the American Legion Auxiliary vehicle.
The Second Division, which assembles on Plandome Court at Heights Road, includes Second Division Commander; Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops; the Girl Scouts of America: Junior Troops, Brownie Troops and Daisy Troops.
The Third Division, which assembles on Bourndale Road North at Plandome Road, includes Third Division Commander Patrick McGreal; the Manhasset High School Marching Band; the Manhasset PAL Baseball and Softball League; Manhasset PAL Lacrosse; Manhasset Soccer Club; the Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations and the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer.
The Fourth Division, which assembles on Bourndale Road North starting at Chester Drive, includes Fourth Division Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta; the Manhattan College Pipe Band; the North Shore Nursery School; Manhasset Rotary Club; the Knights of Columbus; the North Shore Right to Life Committee; Guild of St. Francis Hospital; Coalition For A Safer Manhasset; and the Manhasset Park District.
The Fifth Division, which forms on Heights Road facing west, starting at the junction with Plandome Court, consists of the Plandome Fire Department accompanied by its marching band.
The Sixth Division, which assembles on Summit Drive at Plandome Road, provides the parade climax: the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department with the Nassau County Police Department Pipe and Drum Band and led by the Commissioners of the Fire District.
Memorial Service & Award Ceremony
The parade will conclude in formation at the end of Memorial Place. Those participating in the memorial services and awards ceremony will proceed to the Manhasset High School auditorium. The program will begin with our National Anthem, played by the Manhasset High School Band under the direction of Mr. Randy Knudsen and sung by Mrs. Catherine Lau.
The Reverend Steven Pierce, pastor of The Community Reformed Church will give the invocation.
Chaplain James E. Sharkey of Manhasset Post 304 will read the Roll Call of the Deceased Veterans of the past year, accompanied by drummer Jerry Yang of the Manhasset High School Band. Taps will be rendered by Jeffrey Chin and Ryan Fleishman, members of the Manhasset High School Band.
Vice Commander James Brooks will present the School Award to one young man from Manhasset High School and St. Mary’s College Preparatory High School. The American Legion Boys State Award will be presented to William Delaney, Johnathan Knox, Tyler Lew, James Messina, Thomas Moschitta and Taylor Wilson.
Patricia O’Brien, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304, will preside over awards to young women from both Manhasset High School and St. Mary’s College Preparatory High School. The Empire Girls State Award will be presented to Maureen Kade of Manhasset High School.
After brief remarks by Commander Falcone, Reverend Pierce will give the Benediction. Catherine Lau will lead the audience in singing God Bless America to close the service.
All bearers of floral tributes will remain with their units and proceed to the monument at Memorial Field after the Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony under the guidance of the legion commander.
