Great Neck will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice, officially marking the cessation of hostilities during World War I between the Allied Forces and Germany, on Sunday, Nov. 11, with a parade up Middle Neck Road. The parade will step off from the Alert Fire Company firehouse at 555 Middle Neck Rd. at 10:45 a.m., rain or shine.
Led by a formal color guard, members of the Alert, Vigilant and Manhasset-Lakeville fire companies, members of local Veterans of Wars Post 372 and American Legion Post 160, local elected officials and commissioners, as well as members of Great Neck Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownie troops, will march to the Village Green.
Most people in the United States recognize Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, not Armistice Day. But the armistice took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. This year also marks the 99th anniversary of the creation of Armistice/Veterans Day, which was originated on the first anniversary of the end of the war.
The annual observance of was passed as a resolution by the United States Congress in 1926 and was made a national holiday in 1938 to honor all of our veterans. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
On this day, we honor all the men and women who have honorably served in our armed forces, whether living or not. We especially give thanks to the living veterans who have been in the military during times of peace and war.
All Great Neck residents are encouraged to watch along the parade route and gather at 11 a.m. for the brief ceremony and laying of wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance at the Village Green to honor all who have served our great country from the Great Neck community.
Parade Commander Louise McCann, commander of Charles A. Fowler American Legion Post #160, will start the ceremony promptly at 11 a.m. at the Village Green.
“We observe one or more moments of silence as a sign of respect for the more than 20-million people who died in World War I, both military and civilian,” said McCann. “We also remember the wives, children, families and friends who were left behind at home while those who served protected our great freedoms.”
For more information, contact gnparades@gmail.com.
