Politics & Government

Mayor McDonald: Why Malverne Loves Memorial Day

Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald shares her thoughts on Memorial Day in the village and why residents should participate.

The flags are flying while the music of the band fills the air. Neighbors greet each other with waves and warm greetings. We’re all together and honoring the great patriots who came before us.

That scene could describe any of a few holidays each year where we rejoice in being part of the greatest country in the world. It could be Flag Day, the Fourth of July, or Veterans Day. However, Memorial Day is unique, as we are celebrating the most important gift; the supreme sacrifice that our fellow Americans have made so that we are able to keep our freedom. There is no greater love than those who have given their lives for us.

That is why it is so important that we do all that we can to make sure that everyone becomes involved in this years’ commemoration of our war dead. And it is especially vital that we teach our children about the meaning of Memorial Day so that those sacrifices are always remembered.

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This year, after careful planning together with the American Legion Commander Robert Guarneri and VFW Commander Louis Jaccino, the Village will be doing some things that we hope will encourage greater observance of this most cherished holiday. To begin, on Monday May 28, our annual Malverne Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the earlier than in past years. The parade will be led by Grand Marshal retired General Guarneri and the Military Color Guard of the 88th Brigade, New York Guard, led by Command Sergeant Major Frederick Manney III. 

There will be more music in the air this year with the St. Anthony High School Celtic Friar Pipe Band joining with our New York State Champion band, the marching band and the band. To add to the excitement there are some new groups that have joined the parade including Little Mr. & Miss Abilities America Scott and Linda Langton, the Malverne UFSD #12 School Board and the thrilling horsemen of the Federation of Black Cowboys.

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Following the parade, the ceremony at the Chester A. Reese Gazebo will feature the renowned voice of Caitlin Gotimer singing the National Anthem.  As in the past, Zachary St. John, the grandson of WWII Navy Frogman Nicolas St. John, will play “Taps” during the ceremonial raising of the flag.  

Blue Star Mother (and former Deputy Mayor) Gail Wakefield will place the wreath in memory of our departed heroes, as a display of our thanks for their sacrifice and for the losses that their families have borne. Her son John Wakefield recently joined the U.S. Navy and her father Thomas Fiala was a West Point graduate, class of 1952.

Each year, we gather to celebrate our independence and to memorialize those courageous individuals who gave their lives to preserve and protect our liberty.  The marchers include young and old; our schools and our scouts, young athletes, our dedicated emergency services, civic volunteers, merchants, religious groups, veterans and elected officials. All of your neighbors will be turning out to wave on the marchers with encouragement all along the route.

Consider how you will participate this year in the celebration of Memorial Day.  If you have questions about the Malverne festivities, please call Village Hall at 599-1200. On behalf of all of the participants, we look forward to seeing you along the and at the ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park.

- Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald, Village of Malverne

For details about the parade route for this year's Memorial Day in Malverne, click .


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