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Fog/Mist Pre-pandemic strength, and character found at Memorial Day Parade that took over Grand Avenue
Between 1,100 and 1,200 people participated in this year’s Memorial Day Parade that took place on Monday, May 29.
The parade has been a staple in the Baldwin community since the 1930s. Elected officials, students from Baldwin schools, and community members all showed up on the morning of May 29 to express their appreciation for those who died while fighting for the U.S. The American Legion Post number 246 hosted this parade, as they have done so for over 80 years.
“The parade kicked off right on time at 9:50 a.m.,” Immediate Past-Commander of the Baldwin American Legion said. “It started up near the North Baldwin post office on Grand Avenue.”
The march continued down Grand Avenue, across Sunrise Highway, then over Merrick Road to Silver Lake Park where the parade ended. Then at the park, there was a ceremony, which included a Memorial Day speech by Post Officers, elected officials, musical performances by Baldwin High School students, and recognition of military officers. At the ceremony, special awards were given to the Boy Scout Troops 824 and 182, Baldwin schools, houses of worship, organizations, and Baldwin individuals.
“In addition to the bands, there were a lot of patriotic music that was playing down the route of the parade,” Fare said. “The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Baldwin Republican Club joined together to hand out flags along the entire parade route, as there were people there watching the parade.”
At the ceremony, there was a ceremonial flag folding, where volunteers of the 11th regiment of New York explained the importance of the 13 folds of the American flag. Along with the flag folding, those volunteers participated in a gun salute. Fare mentioned that these volunteers have been working with the Baldwin American Legion for years now and they do military honors for services all over Nassau County.
Fare was picked by the American Legion Post to serve as the Grand Marshal at the parade this year. He said he was “honored” to be chosen by the post. He wore a gold sash while riding in a Mustang Cobra down Grand Avenue.
“This year, a lot of people who watched our parade for years and years said that we finally got back to the strength and character from pre-pandemic,” Fare said.
