Valley Stream hosts a parade for the ages

See more photos from the parade here.

As the parade marchers got closer and the faint sound of patriotic music grew louder, Jack Sharkey got the crowd geared up for what they were about to see.

Sharkey, a member of American Legion Post 854, took his usual spot on the reviewing stand on Rockaway Avenue to emcee the parade. Hundreds of people lining the street, waving miniature American flags, heard his words about the real meaning of Memorial Day — to remember those who sacrificed their lives in combat.

As Sharkey finished his remarks, the parade, which had started at the Wheeler Avenue School at 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning, about 15 minutes earlier, was fast approaching. “Get ready for one of the best parades on Long Island,” he announced.

For 38 years, Sharkey has been a Memorial Day fixture on the reviewing stand, announcing each group that has marched by. This year, he said before the parade began, there was larger-than-normal participation in by village organizations. “It’s one of our largest parades ever,” he said of the 92nd annual event. “I think people are more interested in community activities. We have quite a few new people in the community that are quite exuberant about it.”

Seeing people from corner to corner, Sharkey said he was thrilled with the turnout, calling it one of the biggest crowds in years. He didn’t even see hundreds more, lined up along Valley Stream Boulevard near the parade route’s end by the Village Green.

Bob and Betty Cooper watched the parade along Rockaway Avenue. Betty, a Valley Stream resident for all of her 81 years, said she has been coming since she was a child. In years past, she marched in the parade with Lutheran Church of Our Savior while her husband marched with the VFW. Their children took part with their respective youth sports groups.

“I love to see the kids and the bands,” she said, explaining why she still comes out every year.

Alex Franzini, 18, Justine Ferst, 22, and Allison Murphy, 22, staked out a spot in the shade on Valley Stream Boulevard. Holding larger American flags, the three friends said they never miss a Memorial Day parade. “We love how everyone comes together,” Ferst said.