By Barbara K. Miller

The sixth annual Belmont Festival was held June 4 along Franklin Avenue and on Seventh Street in our village. Once again this event was enjoyed by thousands of fellow residents and visitors to our community.

This is truly a positive partnering event between the village, Chamber of Commerce and the New York Racing Association (NYRA). The parade was highlighted by the Garden City High School Marching Band, the second annual "Hats Off to Garden City" contest, several antique cars, local area fire departments, including our very own, 15 horse drill teams and several Garden City volunteer organizations, which included local Girl and Boy Scouts. Special recognition and congratulations are extended to Peter Clesaris of Garden City, winner of the Triple Crown Creative Kids Contest.

Special thanks to the festival's two main sponsors, The Garden City Hotel and KeySpan. Additionally, thanks to the village police department, members of the special police and to our Department of Public Works for a wonderful effort in the clean up.

Plans are already being set for next year. So, mark your calendar for Friday, June 10, 2005.

By an Act of Congress, dated August 3, 1949, June 14 of each year was designated "National Flag Day" and the week in which June 14 occurs as "National Flag Week." The "Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" was made an official Flag Day ceremony by an Act of Congress in 1985.

The National Flag Day Foundation, Inc. is asking all citizens of the United Sates to display the flag during this week. Please remember that displaying the flag at night requires proper illumination.