Floral Park Legion’s annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony

The Island Now

The annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, sponsored by the Floral Park American Legion with the support and cooperation of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, will be held Monday, May 27.

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice to protect our nation and to preserve freedom and democracy.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. Parade participants are asked to assemble on Elizabeth Street between Plainfield Avenue and South Tyson Avenue. The parade will proceed north on Plainfield Avenue, then west on Jericho Turnpike where the American Legion will place a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial located in the parking area adjacent to the Reliance Firehouse.

The parade will then continue on Jericho Turnpike, proceed south on South Tyson Avenue, then east on Tulip Avenue and Veterans Memorial Park where the Memorial Day ceremony will start at approximately 11 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Floral Park American Legion at 15 Elizabeth St. at 11 a.m.

Invited to give the invocation is the Rev. Thomas Fusco, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church. Invited to give the benediction is the Rev. T. Abigail Murphy of St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church. Col. Michael Pensa, commanding officer of the 11th New York Regiment, United States Volunteers, will be the parade grand marshal and guest speaker.

The advancement of colors will be led by Sgt. at Arms Edward LaChapelle followed by the invocation, national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Remembrance of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action will be led by Vietnam Veteran Robert Murray. General Logan’s Order, which served as the basis for the establishment of Memorial Day, will be read by Past Commander James Whalen. Distinguished guests will be introduced by past commander Bill Corbett.

Wreaths will be presented by the American Legion and Auxiliary, the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department, the Floral Park Woman’s Club, and the Floral Park AARP. Taps will be played, followed by the Roll Call of Departed Comrades where the names of Floral Park residents who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces will be read by Past Commander James Conti.

Gold Star Mothers and Families whose child or family member made the supreme sacrifice while serving in the armed forces will be introduced and presented with memorial flowers by Auxiliary President Dolores Johnson assisted by Scotty Beetle, past Auxiliary vice president.

Floral Park Mayor Dominick Longobardi will present greetings and Post Commander Matthew Cacciatore will introduce the grand marshal and guest speaker Col. Michael Pensa. The ceremony will conclude with the benediction, the retirement of colors and the singing of “God Bless America.”

The Floral Park American Legion invites all veterans to march and thanks Mayor Longobardi and the Board of Trustees for their support.

Any veteran interested in becoming a member of the Floral Park American Legion is encouraged to contact the post at 516-437-1295.

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