http://www.antonnews.com/manhassetpress/2008/05/23/news
American Legion Post Announces
Memorial Day Parade Plans
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Anthony W. Buzzitta, commander of the Manhasset Post 304, American Legion, and James T. Brooks, parade chairman, have announced the line -of-march and schedule for the traditional Manhasset Day Parade and for the attendant memorial services. All Manhasset residents, their families and friends are invited to join the Legion in this remembrance of the great sacrifice of these American heroes.
The theme of the parade this year is celebration of the 80th year since the Post was founded and a memorial to Past County Commander and Past Post Commander William A. Baxter, who served his country, his community and his church for many years. Deceased Veterans of all wars will all be remembered, especially the 24 Manhasset residents who passed away during the past year. The Gold Star Monument in the Mary Jane Davies Green Park lists all the names of all the service members from Manhasset, killed in action, during all the wars since the Civil War. Last year, Sgt. James J. Regan’s name, having served multiple tours of action in Afganistan and Iraq, was added.
In preparation for the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Legion, assisted by Boy Scout Troop 97, will place American flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries and participate with other Legion Posts to decorate the graves at the Pinelawn National Cemetery. Memorial wreaths will also be placed at five memorial monuments in Manhasset. Plandome Road will be appropriately decorated for the occasion.
A Memorial Service in honor of our war dead will be held on Sunday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at the Community Reformed Church, 90 Plandome Road, Manhasset. All are invited to join with the Legion in the remembrance of the great sacrifice of these citizen soldiers.
On Memorial Day, May 26, the parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Over 30 organizations are scheduled to march including five bands and more than 30 pieces of fire apparatus and other vehicles.
The route of the parade will be along Plandome Road from Plandome Court to Memorial Place with excellent public viewing along the entire length. Those planning to march in the parade are expected to be present, ready to march, in their designated assembly areas no later than 9:30 a.m.
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The Fourth Division will meet on Bourndale Road North facing west, starting at the junction with Winthrope Road includes the Manhattan College Pipe Band; the Tower Foundation; Church of Our Savior Lutheran Nursery School; the North Shore Nursery School; the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce; the Kiwanis Club; Knights of Columbus; the North Shore Right to Life Committee; the Guild of St Francis Hospital; the Manhasset Soccer Club and the Committee for a Safer Manhasset. The Division Commander will be Patrick McGreal.
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The parade will conclude in formation at Memorial Field, where a special area will be designated for public viewing of the Memorial Services. The program will start with the National Anthem, played by the Manhasset High School Band under the direction of Randy Knudsen and sung by Catherine Lau.
Rabbi Todd Chizner of Temple Judea of Manhasset will give the Invocation. The Poppy Queen, Lauren Nevitt of Manhasset High School, will then be introduced.
The presentation of the floral tributes by the public will follow after which Chaplain James R. Russell of Post 304 will then read the Roll Call of the Honored Dead, accompanied by drummer Emmett O’Hanlon of the Manhasset High School Band. Taps will be rendered by William Cybriwsky and Christopher Chin both with the Manhasset High School Band and SFC Gregory Hall and SFC Kenneth Barnes, both of the 319th Statue of Liberty Band.
Vice Commander James T. Brooks will present the High School Achievement Awards to Marc-Andrew Ardito, Manhasset High School and to Paul Marino, St. Mary’s High School. The Boys’ State Scholarships will be awarded to Joseph Calderone and Michael Sinclair, both representing Manhasset BSA Troop No. 97, to Matt Savage, representing BSA Troop 71 and to Mr. David Knowles and
Joseph Sullivan, both from Manhasset High School. Mrs. Doris Bezkor, president of the Manhasset Auxiliary 304, will preside over the girls’ awards. Marylyn Furlong is the Americanism Chairlady for the school awards Program. However, Mrs. Doris Bezkor, who is also the Girls’ State Chairlady will present all the awards. The school awards will be presented to Victoria Belinsky of Manhasset High School and Miss Tara Thomas from St. Mary’s High School. The Girls’ State Award will be presented to Lauren Nevitt of Manhasset High School.
After brief remarks by Commander Buzzitta, the Reverend James E. Only, Congregational Church of Manhasset, will give the Benediction. To close the service, Catherine Lau will lead the audience in singing God Bless America accompanied by the U. S. Army 319th Statue of Liberty Band directed by CWO Stephen Joseph, Band Master.
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The Fourth Division includes the Manhattan College Pipe Band
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