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Community Corner

East Meadow Takes Part in Memorial Day Parade

East Meadow residents showed support of their Veterans.

There are a few constants in East Meadow during Memorial Day weekend...burgers, American flags and the East Meadow Memorial Day Parade. 

Not even Mother Nature was able to hold back the parade, as the festivities started as scheduled Monday morning after rain filled the area just prior.

East Meadow veterans were joined by members of the , local boy and girl scout troops, as well as the East Meadow and Marching band in the parade.

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Also on hand in the parade were members of the NYPD Emerald Society Bagpipes, Military Humvees and East Meadow emergency vehicles.

“I have been doing this parade for 55 years,” Veteran James Carbone said.”We appreciate it very much.”

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Carbone served in the Pacific during World War II.

East Meadow resident Tommy Hind is a volunteer member of the East Meadow Fire Department, but he is also a Marine who returned from Afghanistan in October.

“It’s a good chance to remember and a time to reflect,” Hind said.

Another veteran marching in the parade was Charles Hillman, an East Meadow graduate who served in Vietnam.

“I have been marching in this parade every year except for one since 1968,” Hillman said. “I had seven good friends who were lost in Vietnam and I do this every year for them."

The parade began at , continued down to Hempstead Turnpike and then took a turn down Prospect Avenue, where residents came out to support all those who were marching the parade.

“I like to see the fire department march every year since my dad, [Fire] Commissioner William Niell, is in it,” Kayla Niell said. “I also like to watch the East Meadow Marching Band because I used to be in it when I was in high school."

The parade concluded at , where a service was then held with veterans and members of the East Meadow VFW on hand to honor all of those who have served or have been lost over the years.

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