Despite steady rain and gray skies, Manhasset residents gathered on May 25 for the community’s annual Memorial Day parade, which stepped off an hour late but still drew veterans groups, marching bands, scouts and local organizations to honor the nation’s fallen service members.
During the ceremony, American Legion Post 304 Commander John Iacono reminded attendees that Memorial Day is dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“This day is about remembering and honoring the legacies of those who didn’t make it back,” Iacono said. “We must tell their stories. We must speak their names.”
In remarks honoring generations of fallen military members “from Bunker Hill to Baghdad,” Iacono urged residents to preserve the memory of veterans and support military families.
Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304 President Pat O’Brien also emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations about sacrifice and service.
“Those who serve always say that they will leave no one behind,” O’Brien said. “We must continue to say that no one who sacrificed their lives for our country shall ever be forgotten.”
Iacono also addressed challenges facing local American Legion posts, noting that membership at the Manhasset post has declined from about 250 members to 35 over the past three decades. The post lost its last World War II veteran in 2025, he said, adding that younger veterans are needed to help sustain programs including scholarships, Boys State and Girls State.
All comments are subject to ourCommunity Guidelines. Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections.
Source: LI Press
