Honoring troops and veterans

The annual Memorial Day Parade drew a large crowd on May 19 as thousands of residents lined up along residential streets and the town center to watch the march of veterans, officials, police officers, firefighters, high school marching bands, and local groups. The parade included fancy old cars like a 1936 Auburn and Model T, the local BatMobile replica, floats decorated in red, white, and blue, a Falun Dafa dragon, and characters dressed up like Captain America and rag dolls.
This year’s Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day parade was Michael J. Marra who rode the parade in a military jeep. A life-long resident, Marra served in World War II from 1943 to 1945. He received many decorations and citations including: the American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.

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“I love a parade.” – Carol Kowalewski
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“We owe our lives and our country to [our veterans],”said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. He said the parade is held in conjunction with the American Legion, which took the opportunity to fundraise to support their activities throughout the year. “It brings the community together.”
“There should be a parade for Memorial Day for the men and women that lost their lives,” said resident Charlotte Reiner. She sat in a shady spot under a tree in town center along with Bunny Calder and Paulette Spellmeyer.
“I love a parade,” said resident Carol Kowalewski. She brought her two-year-old grandson Aiden Deal to watch the parade.
Paulette Halpin, parade organizer, said the parade was an absolute success.

Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.