Threats of a graying sky didn't deter hundreds of residents from gathering on Main Street this Memorial Day to watch the annual parade march through the village.

This year's parade boasted several local organizations, groups, volunteers, Boy and Girl Scout troops, school marching bands and cheerleaders, local elected officials, athletic teams and fire departments.

Among those who marched and/or participated in the parade were members of the Howitt Middle School Marching Band, the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, traditionally led by the Dalerettes, the Farmingdale Knights of Columbus, the VFW, the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, the Farmingdale Village Beautification Committee (whose volunteers were also responsible for the tree wells that were filled along Main Street and other local village decorations), the Ladies Auxiliary and Columbiettes, Columbus Lodge 2143 members and the Columbus Lodge Queen and several local Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Daisy, Brownie and Cub Packs. Local elected officials who marched in the parade and joined in the festivities included Farmingdale Village Mayor Joseph Trudden, Trustees Marialyce Denauski, Dr. Benjamin Giminaro, Vincent Sotis and Michael Kelly; Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Councilmen Anthony Macagnone and Joe Muscarella; Legislator Salvatore Pontillo and Assemblyman Steve Labriola. Also on hand were members of the Farmingdale, South Farmingdale and East Farmingdale Fire Departments, led in the parade march by chiefs and assistant chiefs and bagpipers and followed by both modern and historic apparatus. Others who participated in the parade included volunteers from the American Air Power Museum at Republic Airport, members of the Farmingdale Christian Church (who marched befittingly with instruments and sang God Bless America), and members of the Farmingdale Titans, who made their debut marching in this year's parade.

Following the parade, a ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial outside of Village Hall, where local veterans, officials and residents were reminded what this holiday really means. Following the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the pledge of allegiance and a prayer, residents remembered the heroes who gave their lives so that they could enjoy the freedoms they do today.