Inwood salutes the military

From the train station to the VFW post, Doughty Boulevard rumbled with the sounds of marching bands playing military beats, as Inwood held its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25 under a cloudless sky.
Children and adults greeted at the various groups who marched in the parade, including the Inwood Fire Department, the Nassau County police and auxiliary police, and the New York Police Department band, who marched alongside representatives from Peninsula Kiwanis, Inwood-based VFW Post 1582, Girl Scout Troop 720 and the Lawrence High School marching band. “God bless our servicemen,” said one spectator, Ron Groman, of Rockville Centre.
Following the parade, a memorial service was held at the VFW post to honor those who sacrificed their lives to defend this nation. Post Commander Joseph Squitieri and Quartermaster Luke Magliaro, Jr. led the service.
Father Eric Fasano, of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Inwood, delivered the invocation. Our Lady of Good Counsel’s band solemnly played “Taps” and “The Spangled Banner,” and flowers and flags were placed at the VFW monument. “I’m proud of my service, but wish it didn’t have to happen,” said Frank Santora, a Vietnam veteran and VFW member.
Valley Stream resident JoAnn Sarro attended the parade as a way of acknowledging those who served in the military. “I came out here today to honor all of the veterans, and to support them,” she said, adding that her father is a veteran. “I do it to honor my father and all the other veterans who made a supreme sacrifice.”