Matthew Falcone, commander of the Manhasset Post 304 American Legion, and James Brooks, parade chairman, have announced the parade order and schedule for the 2016 Manhasset Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service. All Manhasset residents, their families and friends are invited to join the Legion in this remembrance of the great sacrifices of our American heroes. The theme of the parade this year is Honoring the Defining Moments of the United States Marine Corps.
Memorial Services
A memorial service in honor of Manhasset’s war dead will be held at the Congregational Church of Manhasset, 1845 Northern Blvd., on Sunday, May 29, at 10 a.m. All are urged to attend and to join with the Legion in the remembrance of the great sacrifice of our military.
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 American Legion has also donated American flags which will be placed on the street light poles along Plandome Road.
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 Parade
The Memorial Day Parade begins promptly at 10 a.m. There are over 25 organizations and six bands scheduled to march. The parade will include over 20 trucks from the Manhasset-Lakeville and Plandome Fire Departments.
During the parade the American Legion will place wreaths at both the World War I Memorial and the Gold Star Monument on Plandome Road. 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 Lineup
Those planning to march in the parade are expected to be present and ready to march in their designated assembly areas no later than 9:30 a.m.
The First Division assembles on Plandome Court South at Plandome Road, facing west. The Second Division assembles on Plandome Court at Heights Road. The Third Division assembles on Bourndale Road North at Plandome Road. The Fourth Division assembles on Bourndale Road North starting at Chester Drive. The Fifth Division forms on Heights Road facing west, starting at the junction with Plandome Court. The Sixth Division assembles on Summit Drive at Plandome Road which provides the parade climax. The list of those marching in each division is listed on page 8.
Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony
The parade will conclude on Memorial Field where a rededication of the renovated field will take pace. 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 Randy Knudsen and sung by Catherine Lau.
The Reverend Edmund Doyle, chaplain of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, 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 Joseph Gabriele of the Manhasset High School Band. Taps will be rendered by Jeffrey Chin and Rachel Sloan, members of the Manhasset High School Band.
Vice Commander James Brooks will present the School Award to Kevin Sadhu of Manhasset High School and to Rod Eric Joseph of St. Mary’s College Preparatory High School. The American Legion Boys State Award will be presented to Sean Bentley, Isaiah Callahan, Salvatore Mancuso, George Theodosopoulos and Lazarus Ziozis.
Patricia O’Brien, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304, will preside over awards to five young women. The Americanism Award will be presented to Julia Henry of Manhasset High School and Tiffani Bellanton of St. Mary’s College Preparatory High School. The Empire Girls State Award will be presented to Emma Fleishman of Manhasset High School and Julia Greco of St. Mary’s. Lauren Moschitta of Manhasset High School will be the Poppy Queen.
After brief remarks by Commander Falcone, Reverend Doyle 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.
