The Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee, under the leadership of Committee Chair Commander Louise McCann, announced that the Grand Marshal for the 93rd Annual Memorial Day Parade would be James “Jim” Barton, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Barton has also served on the Parade Committee for more than 30 years, including 12 as Parade Committee chairperson.
Barton is a past commander of the Great Neck Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #372 and a past commander of the Great Neck American Legion Post #160. He is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He currently is the vice president of the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) Shipmates Association.
Barton served our country with distinction during the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Defense Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal with three Bronze Stars and Vietnam Cross
of Gallantry Medal.
He retired several years ago from his position with the Village of Flower Hill and, along with his wife, Ellen, moved to Pennsylvania. He currently serves his fellow veterans as a member of the Bedford County Vietnam Veterans of America Association and as a member of the Everett Pennsylvania Honor Guard.
The Great Neck Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 29, at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Middle Neck Road and Susquehanna Avenue and will continue north on Middle Neck Road to the Village Green. Concluding ceremonies honoring the fallen will be held at 11 a.m.
For more about the parade, read “93rd Annual Memorial Day Parade Planning Underway,” “GN Memorial Day Parade Seeks Participants” and “Parade Dedicated To Arthur Seidman.”
