Sometimes, a parade is not just a parade, it’s a moment in time to capture the Great Neck version of the American Dream. This year, on a rainy May 25, 2026, a strong contingent of Great Neck’s first responders and community organizations participated in our town’s annual Memorial Day Parade. A community ritual, the Great Neck Parade has become a “global” community event involving our veterans’ groups, local fire departments, scout troops, civic and religious organizations, and cadets from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Separately, we sound beautiful notes- together we make a melodious symphony. FRFR (for real, for real)

As customary, the parade route began at 9:30 a.m. sharp, at and near Susquehanna Avenue on South Middle Neck Road, where the various groups had assembled pre-march, on foot or in vehicle formation. Then, the march slowly proceeded north on Middle Neck Road, through Great Neck Plaza, Great Neck Estates and Kensington, ending up at the Village Green -located between Beach Road and Arrandale Avenue – in the “Old Village” of Great Neck.

Commemorative ceremonies at the Veterans’ Memorial at the Village Green included presentation to the Grand Marshal, laying of memorial wreaths, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of “Taps” by USMMA, and speeches commemorating the fallen.

Finally, there was a wreath-laying ceremony and traditional cemetery tribute at All Saints Cemetery.

History leaves fingerprints. Did you know: Great Neck’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the oldest and most enduring civic traditions in our town, in fact, on Long Island itself. Our parade just passed the centennial mark, dating back to May of 1926.

It is organized by the Great Neck Memorial Day Parade Committee in solemn commemoration of American service members who died in war. One notable Great Neck veteran is Harold Radish, who survived being a German prisoner of war. At age 101, he served as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Great Neck Memorial Day Parade.

As noted then by Parade Chair Louise McCann, “the true meaning of Memorial Day is to honor, respect and commemorate all those who have given the full measure of devotion to our country”.

Today, the Parade and official 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.

Historically, back when the peninsula had more of a small town vibe, the Parade reflected the civic culture of Great Neck itself: a suburban community with strong ties to military service, volunteer fire departments, and immigrant families who often had relatives serve in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and later conflicts. For history buffs,

Source: LI Press