Memorial Day parade unites Hewlett and Woodmere

What better way to kick off the start of summer than a Memorial Day parade, good food and entertainment? Hewlett and Woodmere hosted a Memorial Day celebration on Monday. The parade stepped off at the Woodmere firehouse and ended at Hewlett High School with a community party in the parking lot.
The parade featured Hewlett High’s marching band made up of students from the school’s concert band and wind ensemble. People crowded around the streets as the marching band, clad in full uniform, performed “Cupids’ Shuffle,” literally getting people dancing in the streets. Other groups in the parade included the Woodmere Fire Department and Hewlett High’s Youth Leadership Club.
After taking a brief hiatus in 2011 and 2012, the parade returned last year and was greeted with open arms; this year’s was no different. The parade unites the communities and brings people of all ages together to celebrate Memorial Day.
The event was hosted by the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association (HWBA), an organization for local businesses and merchants to unite and support community events, upgrading shopping areas and inform the community on the merchandise and services available in our community.
Business owner Jaime Wysocki, president of the HWBA, explained the significant role the group played in making the parade a success. “This is the second year that the HWBA has hosted the parade for our communities. The HWBA plays a major role in the annual Memorial Day Parade. We obtain permits as well as reach out to all local groups to participate. We try our best to decorate our Main Street. The business association has also purchased 2000 flags to hand out to spectators along the parade route,” Wysocki said.
She also said that the HWBA provided entertainment and food for the celebration at the high school following the parade, thanks to various donations made by local businesses.
The parade is a reminder to us all that we must not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day to commemorate and honor those who have served and sacrificed for us so we can have our freedoms and rights, and we must never take that for granted. The parade also gives us the chance to thank veterans and those still overseas for their service, celebrating them and all they do for us.