On May 25th, Memorial Day the Queens Village Republican Club parade unit proudly marched behind our banner in the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, the largest hometown Memorial Day Parade in America. It was a great day and solemn occasion overflowing with patriotism as we honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms. We celebrated America’s 250th Anniversary, and marched with hundreds of other parade units to honor our veterans, active-duty troops and fallen heroes on Memorial Day.

Honoring Veterans on Memorial Day

By Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.
Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 and QVRC Member

I was at the Littleneck/Douglaston Memorial Day parade activities where veterans were honored including those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America. The event started at an Interfaith service at Zion Church in Douglaston in honor of our veterans. Afterwards, across the street at St. Anastasia Parish there was a flagpole with the American flag and the POW flag. Prayers were and speeches were offered. Those that I ran into that day said to me, “Thanks for your service.” At the end the TAPS was played. You see, I served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era and elsewhere. I could not march in the parade because I have a bad leg and walk with a cane and have cancer, but my heart goes out to all veterans as a member of the American Legion Post #103. Later that day my wife Eva and I went to breakfast at the Omega Dinner in New Hyde Park. When we walked in, many who saw me with my American Legion Post #103 hat, thanked me for my service. After breakfast we went to pay our bill but was told by our waitress it was paid by two nice ladies for my service to our Country. I went to thank them, but they were already have gone. If these ladies read my letter, I would like to thank them for their kindness.

Photo Gallery of the Parade