Veterans Day is calling all Great Neck veterans and local service members to participate in the annual Great Neck Veterans Day Parade on Friday, Nov. 11, rain or shine, to show your pride for our local service men and women.
Led for the past several years by Louise McCann, commander of The American Legion Charles A. Fowler, Jr., Post #160, and under the auspices of the Gilliar-Norwill Veterans of Foreign War Post #372, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Great Neck Alert and Vigilant Fire Companies, the parade honors all service men and women who have served our country.
“It is important to remember the heroism of those who served our nation and those who are still serving, with gratitude for their service,” said McCann.
Originally called Armistice Day, the observance was envisioned by then-President Woodrow Wilson after World War I. Following World War II, the name was changed to Veterans Day to better honor those who have served in all conflicts and wars. The service is always held at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month.
Starting at the Alert Firehouse at 555 Middle Neck Rd. at 10:45 a.m. sharp, the parade will proceed north to the Village Green, where a short ceremony will be held at the Wall of Remembrance, located at the north end of the Green. Marchers will include Alert and Vigilant members, along with local elected officials and members of the Great Neck Boy and Girl Scouts. While marching, they will honor, reflect and remember all those who fought, are still defending or perished for our nation.
McCann and the members of the Veterans Day Parade committee hope that the community will come out to show support for those in the armed forces who have served or are still serving our nation. Seating at the Village Green is available for all service members and their families. For seating reservations and further information about the parade, contact Suzette A. Gray at 516-869-7694 or grays@northhempsteadny.gov.
