The Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee, whose members include representatives from the participating organizations, has been organizing the 93rd annual Memorial Day Parade, which will be held on Monday, May 29. The parade and ceremonies to remember the fallen will be held under the auspices of the Gilliar-Norwill Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #372, Charles A. Fowler, Jr. American Legion Post #160, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Alert Engine, Hook, Ladder and Hose Co. #1 and Vigilant Engine and Hook and Ladder Co.
Parade Committee Chairperson Louise M. McCann is excited to bring the parade to life once again and explained that the meaning of Memorial Day is to honor those who gave “the full measure of devotion to our country.”
This year’s parade grand marshal is James “Jim” Barton, U.S. Navy (retired). In accepting the honor of grand marshal, Barton expressed his appreciation to the committee and is “proud to represent all those who serve or have served in the armed forces, especially those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our great nation.” To learn about his background, read “James ‘Jim’ Barton Named Grand Marshal.”
The parade will be dedicated to Arthur Seidman, a Great Neck resident who turned 100 years young a few months ago. Seidman served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He is the recipient of both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
This year’s parade includes delegations from many local volunteer groups, including social, religious, nonprofit and student-based musical organizations. The parade will also be welcoming several new groups, who will be marching for the first time. A large, enthusiastic crowd of onlookers is expected to cheer on the marchers along the Middle Neck Road parade route.
Great Neck veterans are encouraged to attend, show their support and participate in the parade and ceremonies. Veterans may reserve a space to ride in a lead car at the head of the parade and will be given a place of honor with special seating on the Village Green. Those interested should contact the parade committee in writing as soon as possible at
PO Box 4486, Great Neck, NY 11023.
The parade will begin 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 “GN Memorial Day Parade Seeks Participants,” “James ‘Jim’ Barton Named Grand Marshal” and “Parade Dedicated To Arthur Seidman.”
