By:Liz McBreen
A crowd of on-lookers, many bearing American flags, gathered along Franklin Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike as they waited to see their hometown hero pass by during his welcoming parade.
The groups that marched lined up on First and Second Streets, and began their trek shortly after one o'clock. "I wanna be an astronaut like Mike," said first grader Derek Morgan as he crossed First Street shortly before the parade began.
Massimino spent 11 days in space back in March and along with six fellow-crew members serviced the Hubble Telescope, extending its life span by five years and increasing its power by ten. The astronaut described his experience in space as "a dream come true."
As Massimino passed the crowd in a white antique convertible corvette, he smiled and waved, throwing NASA stickers to the kids in the crowd. He was followed by organizations including American Legion Post 1014, VFW Post 2718, the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department, the Franklin Square Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, students from all Franklin Square schools, the Boy and Girl Scouts and St. Catherine of Sienna Church.
The excited crowd warmly welcomed the returning astronaut, applauding him along the entire parade route. Young Franklin Square residents proudly showed off their T-shirts that had been autographed by Massimino and held red, white and blue signs reading "Our Hero."
Franklin Square resident Annette Micelli said, "It's great to have such a positive event in the town. It's been a rough year, and this is definitely raising everyone's spirits."
"He did a great job up there, and he made us all proud. He deserves a day like this," said resident Steven Rudnick.
Arriving at the end of the parade route, Massimino was greeted by a big crowd at Rath Park. Grand Marshal and County Legislator John Ciotti addressed Massimino and commended him on a job well done.
"You have represented your town well, and we are all proud of you, Dr. Mike." Ciotti went on to thank Massimino for not forgetting his roots, saying, "Your path of greatness began in schools right here in Franklin Square, and you remembered them by bringing a John Street T-shirt and a Carey High School banner with you into space. For this we are thankful to you."
Other dignitaries including Assemblyman Tom Alfano and Council Member James Darcy were also on hand to congratulate Massimino on his success, and thank him for being such a positive role model for the children of Franklin Square.
Students from Massimino's alma mater, John Street School, presented poems to their "shining star." The two poems describe the lessons that Massimino has instilled in the students through his actions. He has taught the students to dream big, and let nothing stop them from achieving those dreams.
Also during the welcoming ceremony, a representative from the Town of Hempstead announced that June 9 has officially been named Michael J. Massimino Day.
One of the organizations to present the astronaut with a token of their appreciation and pride was the Carey Dads Club. Serving Massimino's former high school, the club is made up of men and women who raise money for technology and science equipment for Carey High School students.
On behalf of the club, Dennis McDonald presented Massimino with a plaque congratulating him with a picture of the Columbia STS-109, the space shuttle that carried the crew of astronauts into space in early March. An identical plaque will be hung in the halls of Carey High School. "Our kids need real heroes these days, and here is one from our own town," said McDonald, adding, "How could we not respect a man who wears a $12 million dollar suit to work?"
When Massimino had a chance to respond to the presentations and commendations he had received, he began by graciously thanking everyone who coordinated the parade, including Ciotti, Annette Calabrese, Frank Cutolo, Joseph Entler and Paul Van Wie. He also thanked all those who marched, as well as the spectators. "There are a lot of ways to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and it means a so much that all of you decided to be here," said Massimino.
He thanked his wife Carole and two children Gabriella and Daniel for their love, support and patience during his long hours at work during a difficult training period, and absence during the mission.
Speaking to his former neighbors, Massimino explained his experience in outer space for the crowd. During his first space walk, he said, "I did not want to be distracted, so I tried not to look around very much." While on his second walk, he took some time to take in the view. "It was the most awesome sight I had ever seen, and I still think about it all the time."
Receiving a humorous confirmation from his fourth grade teacher in the audience, Massimino explained that he was never the smartest student in his class. "Grades are not always the most important thing. If you find what you really love to do, following that dream is what is most important."
He explained how his imagination was captured by the magic of the space program when he was six years old. He made up his mind as a child to go after his dream, and he never looked back. Speaking to the students of Franklin Square, Massimino said, "Loving what you do makes up for lots of problems and setbacks. Find your passion, and pursue it."
