The City of Glen Cove had a two-day Memorial Day observance this year and graciously, Mother Nature held rain in check until all the events were through, perhaps remembering the rainout of last year. On Sunday veterans who placed wreaths at the Veteran Monuments on Ford St., at St. Rocco's and on Elm Avenue were joined by Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp and members of the City Council. Following this, a memorial service in remembrance of our country's war dead was held at the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church on Cedar Swamp Road. Members of the North Shore Clergy, including Rev. Betsy Simpson, Rev. William Wendler, Father Aaron and Raj Singh of the Sikh Temple joined pastor Father Emanuel Gratsias. Father Gratsias spoke poignantly of lives lost in the past, and the lives currently being lost every day in the war in Iraq. He commented on the fact that "We hear that 'two soldiers died in Iraq,' but we don't seem to hear the names of those who died. We must teach our children that each and every life is valuable, not just a statistic."

Monday began with veterans placing a wreath at the Ralph Young monument at Glen Cove Police headquarters and at the Doughboy Monument at the library.

The annual ceremony at Monument Park commenced at 11 a.m., with a large crowd, many dressed in red, white and blue in some form or other and even more people waving the Stars and Stripes in all its glory. Parade chairman Al Barker introduced this year's Memorial Day Parade Guest of Honor, Vietnam War veteran Joseph W. Tolbert, Jr. and presented him with a plaque in honor of the day. It was obvious that Mr. Tolbert was deeply touched by the tribute, as he needed a moment at times during his speech to regain his composure. Members of the audience, many of whom were long time friends of Mr. Tolbert, did not bother to compose themselves, and cried right through to the end. One woman remarked that she missed an opportunity to take a picture because she was all "teary-eyed." Warmth and sincerity drifted through the speech of the Marine, who praised the country that gave him "life, freedom, opportunity and education." His military service, he said, was something he needed to do to give back to that country.

Mr. Barker then introduced Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp, who remarked, "You're a tough act to follow" to Mr. Tolbert. The mayor presented him with a citation, recognizing his military duty, including his time in Da Nang, Vietnam where he was part of a unit assigned to stop the Vietnamese supply line. A machine gunner operating an M60, Mr Tolbert was seriously wounded during combat. For his war service, Mr. Tolbert earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Service Medal. He is still giving back to the country he loves as an active member of American Legion Young Simmons Post 1765 and as post chaplain.

Then it was on to the parade, boasting veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the present war in Iraq. This year's parade grand marshal was Ed Mathieson, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. Genevieve Murray represented all of the community's Gold Star Mothers. Mrs. Murray's son, Dennis Brian, was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

With something for everyone, the parade included vets, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, bands, firefighters, police units, antique cars and numerous civic and fraternal organizations.The music, supplied by everything from the Glen Cove Middle School Bands to pipers to a seasoned band of comrades, wafted through the crowd of parade-goers, all there to thank and commemorate the men and women who keep our country safe. A number of people somberly remarked that it is most important in this time of war to let our military know we are behind them.

Firefighters from neighboring departments, all members of mutual aid, gave the parade a grand finale...horns blowing and sirens wailing, they sped down Glen Street in a burst of enthusiasm and exhilaration. To the question of whether the excitement was due to a call that came in just as the parade was ending, a firefighter answered, "Nope, that's just how we end parades!"

The day of remembrance concluded, as most family gatherings do, with good food, graciously served at VFW Post 347.