Port Washington’s Memorial Day Parade JULIE PRISCO

jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

This Memorial Day weekend, Port Washington’s Memorial Day Parade began at Campus Drive and proceeded down Port Washington Boulevard and Main Street to the Sousa Memorial Bandshell for a commemorative celebration.

The Port Washington American Legion Post No. 509, the Port Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Henderson Marino Post 1819, and the Port Washington Fire Department participated in the parade and appointed Grand Marshals.

Port Washington American Legion Post No. 509 had World War II Marine Corps Veteran Martin (Marty) Kramer as this year’s Post Grand Marshal. Marty enlisted at the age of 17 in 1944. Deployed to the Pacific Theatre, he was wounded on July 1 on the Island of Guam and received medals and ribbons.

The Port Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819 has selected Robert D. Freeland as this year’s Grand Marshal. Freeland joined the United States Army in February 1969 and was sent to Phu Loi, Vietnam, joining Company D, 34th Engineer Battalion, 159th Engineers. After six months, Freeland was sent to Vin Haung on the Mekong River where his Company was responsible for building a new base for the 34th Battalion. While in the service, Freeland earned various service medals and citations.

This year’s Port Washington Fire Department’s Grand Marshals were 50-year members Fred Falconer of the Flower Hill Hose Company and Thomas Ryan of the Protection Engine Company, and Honorary Chief Joseph “Pepe” Santoli of the Atlantic

Hook & Ladder Company, celebrating 77 years of service.

In addition to members of the American Legion Post No. 509, VFW Post No. 1819 and the PWFD, local organizations, youth groups and Port schools marched in the parade.

“The parade was led by two policemen on horses and they were followed by the military men from the American Legion Post 509 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1819,” said Debbie Tedeschi, from the Port Washington VFW Post 1819. “There were many participants including bagpipers, police, firemen, boy scouts, Sons and Daughters of Italy, marching bands, martial arts, dignitaries, and many other local groups.”

The Schreiber High School band, cheerleaders and Portettes marched to represent the Port Washington School District.

The parade was a lively march for families to watch and enjoy. The crowd received complimentary hand-held American flags from the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce.

“This is the forty-second year that Chamber volunteers hand out thousands of free flags,” Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Greco Cohen said. “Everyone in the chamber is very proud to be a part of this effort to honor our veterans.”

After the parade, the Sousa Bandshell hosted a Memorial Day celebration.

“On stage was Martin Kramer and Robert Freeland, the Schreiber High School Band playing patriotic melodies, Reverend Charles

Vogeley, veterans from World War 11, the Korean War, Viet Nam War, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, and more,” said Tedeschi. The Schreiber High School Band accompanied the veterans to perform the Star Spangled Banner, America The Beautiful and God Bless America.

“In the 247 years of our country’s existence, over one million men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and values that has made our nation great,” said Grand Marshal Freeland at the Sousa Bandshell ceremony. The veterans held a moment of silence for local veterans who have passed away this year and for all veterans who lost their lives fighting for our country.

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