Retired Sgt. Maj. William Downes, 91, a dedicated U.S. Army veteran and long-time community member, has been selected as the grand marshal of the Freeport Memorial Day parade.
The Freeport American Legion Post 342 bestowed the honor upon Downes, who served two years of active duty during the Cold War. He was drafted in 1957 and stationed at a secret guided missile site in Cleveland, Ohio. Afterward, he continued his service in the National Guard and Army Reserve for 26 years.
Beyond his military contributions, Downes also served as a disaster communicator in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks and American Airlines Flight 587, using his skills as a licensed amateur radio operator to aid in emergency responses by coordinating between different agencies such as the Salvation Army.
His daughter, Robin Downes, 65, who cares for him at his home in Roosevelt which he purchased in 1956, said the grand marshal designation is important, “allowing people to remember my father, because he doesn’t remember the great contributions that he has made to this country, you know. So that’s what it means to be being honored, that people are taking the time to remember where my father’s memory isn’t as good as it used to be.”
The Army veteran has been living with dementia for the past 10 years, but his daughter has worked tirelessly to ensure that his memories and legacy are preserved.
After Downes was no longer able to be cared for by a significant other, who also began to suffer from dementia, his daughter stepped in to make sure his needs would be met.
Robin Downes, an Emmy Award-winning former journalist who worked for ABC News’ “20/20” turned “yoga instructor for the stars,” credited yoga with helping her father maintain his wellbeing and quality of life.
She runs a yoga company called
Yoga Flava, as well as an elder care management company called
Caregivers Embracing Elders LLC.
“With the yoga practice, I was able to bring him back,” she said. “And, you know, I made a point of integrating him back into the community, and I made a point of getting his dress blues and restoring his dignity.”
Despite the challenges posed by dementia, Downes’ contributions remain recognized and celebrated.
Eric Young, commander of the Freeport American Legion, explained the selection process for grand marshal.
“We have an executive committee, and they select somebody we think is deserving for the honor,” Young said. “And then after that selection, we have a vote on it for the membership.
“He was a sergeant major, and he has been very helpful in the post … We think he was deserving to receive this honor,” Young added.
In addition to his military service, Downes taught electrical installation at George Westinghouse High School in Brooklyn for 25 years. His achievements as a photographer also garnered recognition from the New York Times, earning him the nickname “The Flashbulb Kid.”
His daughter emphasized the importance of Memorial Day as a time to reflect on her father’s legacy.
“I think it just keeps going back to allowing Memorial Day to be a day to help my dad remember all his great service,” she said.
During the parade, Downes will ride in the lead car, with the branch of service he represented proudly displayed on the vehicle.
Young mentioned that the logistics are still being finalized, considering that Downes uses a wheelchair, but the American Legion is committed to ensuring he is properly honored.
“It’s very important that we recognize those who have served their country,” Young said. “We have a lot of people who have come back. A lot of people have died. A lot of people are still missing in action, so it’s great that we memorialize on Memorial Day so they will never be forgotten.”
The Freeport Memorial Day parade takes place on Monday, May 26.
