Marching throughout the Five Towns

Memorial Day parades in Inwood, Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence-Cedarhurst

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The Five Towns will host three Memorial Day parades to celebrate a holiday that remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally called Decoration Day, it was initially established to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

In the 20th century it was extended to honor all Americans who died in all wars. The holiday also marks the start of the summer season.

Inwood parade

Inwood will host its parade on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., beginning at the Inwood railroad station parking lot. It will proceed on Doughty Boulevard and end at the PFC John J. Oliveri VFW Post 1582 at Mott Avenue. A memorial service will be held to honor veterans and refreshments will be served.

Pete Capozzi, the treasurer for the Sons of Italy, is the parade’s Grand Marshall. Parade participants include the Inwood and Meadowmere Park fire departments, Sons of Italy, Our Lady of Good Counsel band, Inwood Buccaneers and the Lawrence High School band.

Hewlett-Woodmere parade

Having no Memorial Day parade in the Hewlett-Woodmere community for the past three years, Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association President Jaime Wysocki said this year’s parade will focus on the true meaning of the holiday.

“We would like to honor all those who have served our country, whether they are still with us or not,” she said. “The Hewlett-Woodmere Parade Committee has big dreams for what our parade will one day be. For now, we’re just hoping for a sunny day.”

The partnership between the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, Hewlett-Woodmere School District, Hewlett and Woodmere fire departments, Nassau County Police and Auxiliary Police, as well as the Nassau County Executive’s office and the Town of Hempstead, created the environment for the parade’s revival, according to Wysocki. “The community hasn’t been successful in the past few years at organizing a parade but things have changed drastically due to the collaboration,” she said.

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