East Meadow remembers lives lost

Members of East Meadow Veterans of Foreign War Post 2736 gathered in Veterans Memorial Park after Monday’s Memorial Day parade, at which thousands of community members honored servicemen and women who died defending the United States.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Steve Grismondi, a Private First Class of the U.S. Army in the Korean War, with his granddaughters, Brianna, 8, and Kayla, 6.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Grand Marshall William Lattarulo.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Zachary Simpson, 13, thanked a special person as he sat next to Madison Walsh, 9 and Colin, 10.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Tom and Diane Chambers, left, with Denis Munson, a Staff Sergeant for the U.S. Marines in the Vietnam War, and Kathy Walsh.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Dozens of local Girl Scout troops took part in the parade procession.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Veterans sat with their families to observe the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on East Meadow Avenue and Prospect avenues.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

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Residents of all ages lined East Meadow streets on Monday morning to commemorate Memorial Day, a holiday where we remember the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedoms that exist today.

East Meadow is never lacking in community spirit, and it was on full display at Monday’s parade, as dozens of representatives from local community organizations, schools and youth groups joined local veterans, elected officials and members of the East Meadow Fire Department for the annual parade.

The grand marshal was William Lattarulo, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2736. Also participating in the parade was members of the American Legion and Jewish War Veterans.

The parade began at East Meadow High School and proceeded south on Carman Avenue to Hempstead Turnpike, and then east on Prospect Avenue to Veterans Memorial Park.

Also included in the day’s festivities were the East Meadow Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, bands from East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High Schools, numerous Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, representatives from local houses of worship, and local elected leaders Norma Gonsalves, of the Nassau County Legislature, and state Assemblyman Tom McKevitt. It was organized by Liz Fries and Dolores Rome.