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Light Rain Merricks pay homage to the fallen on Memorial Day
As is the annual tradition, the Merricks marked Memorial Day on Monday with a community parade that stretched from Veterans Memorial Plaza in downtown Merrick (formerly Broadcast Plaza) to the War Monument in North Merrick, and residents by the hundreds turned out for the event.
The day began with a short rain storm, and for a while, it looked like the parade might have to be cancelled. But the start of the procession was delayed to 10 a.m., from its scheduled 9:30 a.m. kickoff time, and by the time the parade got under way, the sun was shining brightly.
The procession was led, as always, by current members of the armed forces and veterans, including members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Jewish War Veterans. Also taking part in the parade were the Merrick and North Merrick fire departments, Daisies, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little Leaguers, marching bands from Sacred Heart Elementary School in North Merrick, the Merrick and North Merrick elementary school districts, Merrick Avenue Middle School and Calhoun High School, as well as the Merrick Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
A solemn ceremony remembering America’s war dead followed the parade.
More photos to follow on Tuesday. Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
