Valley Stream Memorial Day 2024: Village gathers for its 104th parade and remembrance ceremony
Annual march memorializes Valley Stream's own servicemen and women.
Heavy gray clouds promising rain hung overhead but the weather couldn’t dampen the patriotic, flag-waving spirit of Valley Stream residents at this year’s 104th Annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27.
The parade brought a wide assortment of village organizations and groups who kicked off their march at Wheeler Avenue moved through the heart of the village’s business district and ended at the memorial site at the Village Green. The clouds parted and the sun shone for the remembrance ceremony promptly following the parade at the war memorial site held to honor the names of Valley Stream residents engraved on the memorial monument who fought and died in combat. The remembrance event dovetailed with a few firsts including the inaugural presentation of veteran banners that lined across the parade route and the inclusion of the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action or Missing Man table at the memorial war site.
“Behind me stands the war memorial monument engraved with the names of Valley Streamers who went off to war and fought for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Legion Post 854 Commander Bill Rohe, addressing the crowd. “I counted 95 names on the monument. Ninety-five residents left our village with a one-way ticket and who fell for us. Let’s keep them in our thoughts today and forever.”
“Every year during Memorial Day weekend, I’m reminded by a quote by Abraham Lincoln…’I’d like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives, and I’d like to see a man live so that his place would be proud of him,’” said Mayor Ed Fare.
He continued: “In Valley Stream, I can assure you that we are proud of all our servicemen and women. We are proud of our veterans and all the members of our armed forces currently serving this great country. And we are particularly proud of the persons remembered here today who have made the supreme sacrifice so we can live in freedom.”
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