The Jewish Home | MAY 26, 2022
108
TJH Speaks with Paris Popack, Coordinator of the Memorial Day Parade
48
OctOber 29, 2015 | the Jewish Home
Paris, the parade has been around for a while. When was the first Memorial Day Parade in the Five Towns? The Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department Memorial Day Parade started 103 years ago, in 1919. How did you become involved? As Lawrence Civic Association president in 2019, I felt it was important to get involved in the parade. It seemed to be a good fit since I love the community, am a passionate patriot, and have experience managing community events. Blessings from the LCFD Fire Department, Lawrence Mayor Alex Edelman and Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock gave me the green light to move forward. How has the parade evolved in the past few years? The parade has grown to approximately 70 entrant groups. And how many people do you have marching every year? About 200 people march in the parade. Who can we expect to be marching
this year? We have an exciting line up, including a pipe and drum band, the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department members and trucks, the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion #339, Veterans, the Aviation
ple come out and line the sidewalks. This is a wonderful opportunity to salute the volunteer Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department and to honor our fallen military heroes, who died fighting for our liberties, and to show respect to their
It is a day to pause, remember,
families left behind. Attendee feedback over the years has been incredibly positive.
How do you deal with the weather – many years it’s been rainy on the day of the parade. We plan for all contingencies. We march in all weather, rain or shine, and soldier on. Last year, we marched in light rain. We feel that if the soldiers can defend us in all weather, the least we could do is keep the parade alive in all weather. Hopefully, the weather will be sunny this year.
What do you tell people to remind them about coming out to the parade? People should come out for the parade because we are all neighbors who should join in honoring those who gave their lives for our country. To show patriotism and appreciation is a noble value.
Will there be any changes to the parade this year? We are planning a few surprises. We are happy to announce the addition of a children’s bike parade in the parade. We are calling on Five Towns kids ages 5-12 to ride their decorated trikes, bikes, wagons and scooters (no motors).
and give thanks to honor those men and women who gave their lives for us to live in peace. High School AFJROTC, local schools and organizations, antique and exotic cars, a Mariachi band, David Haziza singing “Hallelujah,” an Uncle Sam stilt walker, local elected officials, and more. It will be memorable for all ages, young and old – an event not to be missed! Are you happy with the crowd turnout? We would love to see even more peo-
Do you have any interesting stories that you had while organizing the parade or while the parade was enroute? We have discovered many veterans who felt honored to be included and remembered in this parade and ceremony. Each one is a hero whose stories are incredible, full of history and bravery.
