Rain and clouds failed to stop Great Neck’s Memorial Day parade Monday as the community marked the 100th anniversary of the solemn tradition.

Held on Monday, May 25, after nearly three straight days of rain, the centennial parade drew veterans, civic groups, scouts, clergy, firefighters and residents to honor fallen service members, continuing a tradition organizers said has never been canceled. Spectators lined the route with umbrellas as marchers made their way through Great Neck despite the weather.

“What’s so wonderful about the parade in Great Neck, as I tell everybody, is our parade goes regardless of the weather,” said Grand Marshal Master Sgt. Louise McCann, a retired Army reservist and commander of the Capt. Charles A. Fowler American Legion Post 160. “Memorial Day has to be commemorated. We do not celebrate Memorial Day, we commemorate it.”

McCann, who also chaired the parade committee, was honored during the ceremony by Congressman Tom Suozzi, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and other officials. She also unveiled new plaques at the war memorial honoring hometown figures including entertainer Martha “Colonel Maggie” Raye, an honorary Green Beret known for entertaining troops.

The weather echoed conditions from 100 years ago, when the Great Neck News declared in its June 2, 1926, edition headline: “IT RAINED, BUT FAILED TO STOP PARADE.” The first Great Neck Memorial Day parade, organized by American Legion Post 160, honored World War I and Spanish-American War veterans marching in tribute to surviving Civil War veterans.

Cadets from the United States Merchant Marine Academy again led the parade lineup, continuing what organizers described as a longstanding tradition.

“We are here because of those who are not,” said Rear Adm. Anthony J. Ceraolo, academy superintendent. “For 250 years, American service members, mariners and patriots have carved out and defended our freedom with their very souls.”

A century after veterans marched through rain in 1926, this year’s parade followed the same route along Middle Neck Road, continuing Great Neck’s long tradition of Memorial Day remembrance.

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Source: LI Press