Members of the Great Neck community celebrated Veterans Day with a parade down Middle Neck Road, followed by a ceremony at the Village Green.
“Today, we gather here to honor those who have dedicated parts of their lives and serve this great nation,” retired Master Sergeant of the United States Army, Louise McCann, said. “Those men and women continue to fight for our justice so that we can be here, living our lives.”
The parade began promptly at 10:45 a.m. at the Alert Fire Company headquarters on Middle Neck Road. Members of Alert were joined by the Vigilant Fire Company, also located in Great Neck, as the two organizations led the parade.
Other marchers include the Great Neck American Legion Post, members of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 10, Cub Scout Pack 178, and representatives from the Nassau Council of Girl Scouts.
A handful of political figures from the local and state levels were also in attendance, such as state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, state Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck), state Assemblyman Tony D’Urso (D-Port Washington), Nassau County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum (D-Great Neck), Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Councilmembers Veronica Lurvey and Peter Zuckerman, and Village of Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral.
The 10-minute march led to the Village Green, where McCann greeted the public and spoke on the importance of honoring veterans.
“The word is “sacrifice.” Every veteran has made sacrifices, and it is so important that we never take for granted what they have given up for our freedom,” McCann said.
“We all gather at the Village Green twice a year, once in May for Memorial Day, and today for Veterans Day.” Commissioner of the Great Neck Park District, Bob Lincoln, said. “Every day we should all be encouraged to never forget people who proudly serve our nation, especially those from our own community.”
