97th Great Neck Memorial Day Parade

Julie Prisco

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

The Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee hosted the 97th Annual Memorial Day Parade. Last year, the Memorial Day Parade was sized down to accommodate COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This year, the parade was restored to its full grandeur.

Great Neck Parade Chair Louise McCann reminded all residents that the “meaning of Memorial Day is to honor, salute and remember all those who gave the “full measure” of devotion to our country.”

The parade and ceremonies are held under the auspices of the Charles A. Fowler, Jr. American Legion Post #160, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Alert Engine, Hook, Ladder and Hose Co., #1 and Vigilant Engine and Hook and Ladder Company. Parade committee members include representatives from all participating organizations.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal was James Morehead, United States Navy veteran. Upon graduation from high school, Morehead enlisted in the U.S. Navy and reported to the U.S. Pickering, a Navy destroyer. According to the Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee, “He was dispatched to the North Korean Coast where the ship maintained a shore bombardment around the country’s capital of Pyongyang. Follow- ing his discharge, he returned to civilian life and used many of the skills he learned in the Navy. Morehead worked for many years for Bell Systems and then Merrill Lynch Communications. He is married to his lovely wife, Mary, for over 63 years; together, they raised their family in Great Neck. He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #372 in 1967 as well as the Capt. Charles A. Fowler, Jr. Post #160. He is the current Post Adjutant.”

To kick off the parade, there is an opening ceremony held at the Village Green. At the ceremony, McCann introduces the Grand Marshal to the parade.

“This year’s Grand Marshal is a wonderful gentleman,” said McCann. “Mr. Morehead is a real Great Neck gentleman. He’s a wonderful father, a wonderful grandfather, and a wonderful great-grandfather. Fortunately, about a dozen of his family members were able to attend a ceremony when we honored Mr. Morehead.”

About 21 groups marched in this year’s parade, including veterans, fire departments, local community groups, non-profits, several churches and temples, and groups from the local schools, including the South High School Band. The United States Merchant Marine Academy band and the Plebe class also marched.

After the parade, the final ceremony was held at All Saints Church for the local veterans and fire companies. Local government officials attended the ceremonies to show support. A final prayer is given by the pastor, Father Joseph, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy bugler played Taps and Amazing Grace.

“[The ceremonies and Memorial Day] is a time to reflect, remember and honor,” said McCann.

The parade is also proudly dedicated to two Great Neck residents, John H. Starkins and Martha Raye.

Sergeant Starkins was born in Great Neck in 1841 and was a first sergeant of the United States Army during the Civil War. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor and the Medal for Gallantry during the American Civil War on July 30, 1896, for actions performed at the Battle of Campbell’s Station in Tennessee on Nov. 16, 1863. He died on April 4, 1897, and is buried nearby at the Zion Episcopal Church Cemetery in Douglaston, Queens.

Martha Raye is a well-known comic, actress and singer who performed in movies, on television and on Broadway. Raye was deeply patriotic and dedicated to our soldiers. After the start of World War II, she became active in the USO, visiting troops on the front lines. On one particular trip during the Vietnam War, she assisted on a helicopter evacuation of wounded soldiers while still under enemy fire. She then attended to the wounded as a combat nurse. Due to her extraordinary service to our active military, she was named an Honorary Member of the Special Forces and was awarded a Green Beret. Raye was also appointed as an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel by the United States Army and an Honorary Colonel by the United States Marine Corps. President Clinton awarded Raye the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993.

—Information from the Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee