Inwood commemorates Memorial Day

Inwood celebrated Memorial Day with its annual parade on Sunday, which stepped off at the Inwood train station and went down Doughty Boulevard to the PFC. John Oliveri Inwood VFW Post 1582.

The parade featured the Nassau County Police, the Inwood and Meadowmere Park fire departments, as well as the New York Police Department band, Inwood Buccaneers, the Lawrence High School marching band, and the Sons of Italy.

Peter Capozzi, the treasurer for the Sons of Italy, the Inwood-based Leonardo da Vinci Lodge 2385, served as Grand Marshal.

At the VFW Post, a memorial ceremony was held to honor soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving this nation. “I am so proud to be an American and our soldiers are the ones who make us free, so we should honor our servicemen today and every day,” said Marie Esposito.

The service featured prayers, a flag raising, and a rifle salute, while the NYPD band played the “Star Spangled Banner.” “My favorite part of the parade were the speeches and saluting the flag,” said Troy Leipsner, 11.

The services were led by Post Commander Joseph Squitieri and Quartermaster Louis De Palma, and included blessings for victims of the Oklahoma City tornadoes. “It is important to honor veterans for all they do for us,” said Cindy Leipsner.

After the ceremony, refreshments were served, courtesy of the VFW. “It is important to honor the military, to give honor to those who defend us and protect our country,” said Auxiliary Police Officer Josh Zucker.