The Memorial Day observances in Glen Cove will return this year with a renewed focus on remembrance, as city officials, veterans and community leaders prepare to honor those who died in military service.
The city’s annual ceremonies, scheduled for May 24 and 25, are designed not as celebration, but as tribute — a distinction organizers say is essential to preserving the meaning of the holiday.
“The sole purpose is to honor war dead,” Marsha Silverman, co-chair of the Memorial Day Parade committee, said. “It’s much more serious — a tribute to those who sacrificed everything for the rest of us.”
Silverman and co-chair Michael Napoli, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1983 to 1986, oversee the planning of the event, balancing logistics with the deeper responsibility of honoring the fallen. The committee intentionally blends civilian and military leadership, which Silverman said brings valuable perspective.
“A lot of veterans don’t consider themselves heroes,” she said. “They say, ‘This was just my job.’ Having a civilian perspective adds that appreciation for those who served.”
This year’s honoree is John “Jack” Niles McCarthy, a Glen Cove resident and Army Specialist Four who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969 at age 20. The annual honoree is meant to represent all who have died in service, not just a single individual.
“That one person represents the sacrifice that so many have given,” Silverman said.
Major Fred R. Nielsen, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps, will serve as this year’s grand marshal, recognized for his continued service to veterans and the community.
Napoli said the event also reflects a broader concern: participation has declined over the years, mirroring a shrinking veteran population.
“The veteran population is aging and getting smaller,” he said.
In response, organizers are expanding invitations beyond traditional groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, encouraging all veterans, as well as their friends and families and community members, to take part.
“We want the next generation to understand what Memorial Day is,” Napoli said. “It’s the day our nation honors its war dead — and that’s important not to forget.”
Howard Stillwagon, commander of a local VFW post who served in the Army from 1968 to 1970, emphasized that participation is open to all veterans, regardless of affiliation.
“If they served their country, they’re welcome to march,” he said.
Organizers have also introduced a “family honor section,” allowing relatives of veterans to walk in remembrance — an effort to deepen community involvement while reinforcing the meaning behind the day.
The observances will begin Sunday night with a military banner ceremony and wreath-laying at several locations across the city, including Morgan Park, the Doughboy Monument and St. Rocco’s Monument.
Monday’s events will include an 11 a.m. ceremony at Monument Park, followed by the parade at noon through downtown.
The tone of the ceremony has also been carefully considered. This year, the speaking program will be streamlined, with a focus on remembrance rather than lengthy remarks.
Despite evolving formats and participation challenges, organizers said the mission remains unchanged.
“We try not to lose sight of the fact that this is different from other parades,” Napoli said. “Nothing is more important than honoring those men and women who answered the call when their country asked them to.”
For Silverman, the goal is simple: ensure the community continues to show up.
“The bigger the parade, the more we are honoring those who sacrificed,” she said.
“Memorial Day is a time for our community to come together and remember those who gave everything for our freedom,” Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck wrote in a statement. “We honor their sacrifice, we stand with their families, and we remain deeply grateful for the courage of all who have served.”
