By Suzette Gray
This year’s Great Neck Memorial Day Parade will be dedicated to the memory of the late Howard Bauman, according to Committee Chairperson Louise McCann. Bauman died of natural causes at age 95, surrounded by family at his home on Sept. 29. His selection was unanimous by the committee members. The grand marshal for this year’s parade is Rear Admiral James Helis, USMS, superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
A longtime resident of Great Neck, Bauman joined the National Guard after graduating from the City College of New York. In 1943, he enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army/Air Force during WWII. As a staff sergeant, he helped design airfields in the Pacific, where he worked in various military bases, including the islands of Guam and New Guinea.
Bauman was known for his gentle disposition, kindness and keen leadership skills. For more than 50 years, he served as a leader and chairman of Great Neck Boy Scout Troop 10, one of the oldest in the nation. He received a well-
deserved award from the group in 2009 for his dedicated service to the troop and for mentoring generations of Boy Scouts.
For many years, Bauman served as a member of the Great Neck Memorial Day Parade, until just months before his passing. “The committee had felt his presence at meetings for both the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades giving wise guidance and counsel to its members,” said McCann. “He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Howard’s gentle spirit will truly be missed at our meetings.”
The Great Neck Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Middle Neck Road. This year’s parade includes delegations from various local volunteer groups, including social, religious, nonprofit and student-based musical groups. Plus, several new groups will be marching for the first time. A large crowd of spectators is expected to line the streets and cheer on the marchers up to the Village Green, where Bauman’s widow will be an honored guest on the grandstand.
After the parade, a memorial ceremony remembering those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our great nation will follow. Next, a final salute will be held at All Saints Cemetery. Great Neck veterans are encouraged to participate in the parade and the ceremonies, and may reserve a space and ride in a lead car at the head of the parade. Veterans will also be given a place of honor with special seating on the Village Green. Contact the parade committee as soon as possible at PO Box 4486, Great Neck, NY 11023.
The parade and ceremonies will be held under the auspices of the Gilliar-Norwill Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #372, Charles A. Fowler, Jr., American Legion Post #160, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Alert Engine, Hook, Ladder and Hose Co. #1 and Vigilant Engine and Hook and Ladder Co. Parade committee members include representation from all of the participating organizations. All are invited to attend.
To read more about Howard Bauman, click here.
To read about the grand marshal, rear Admiral James A. Helis, USMS, superintendent, United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, click here.
To see parade pictures, click here.
