The 2003 Levittown Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), beginning at 10 a.m. Once again this year, the parade is being hosted by the Levittown American Legion Post 1711, with PPC Henry To serving as parade chairman. To has been working diligently to plan this event, which is one of the largest Memorial Day parades on Long Island.

Those marching in the parade will include groups and individuals representing all areas of the Levittown and Island Trees community. Included in the parade order are school bands, fire departments, youth groups, police, post office workers, local dignitaries, Boy and Girl Scouts, sports teams and community organizations.

The parade will begin at the Island Trees Middle School on Wantagh Avenue and marchers will leave promptly at 10 a.m. From the middle school, the parade will proceed west down Hempstead Turnpike to the Levittown Library and reviewing stand. Those marching are encouraged to arrive at the Island Trees Middle School by 9:30 a.m. and should assemble in the back parking lot.

Since no cars will be permitted to park on school grounds, the district recommends that parents park their cars on the side streets across from the middle school and cross Wantagh Avenue to get to the middle school. Parents and parade participants may also park at the Island Trees High School or in the Target parking field adjacent to the middle school. School buses will drop the marching bands off in the drive circle in front of the middle school.

Any questions in reference to the parade may be directed to Chairman Henry To at 796-4182.

In addition to enjoying the Memorial Day Parade, residents of all ages are invited to come down to the annual Memorial Day weekend festival, sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. The festival, which began Thursday, is running through Memorial Day in the parking lot behind Tri County. This year, a fireworks display will be held for residents' enjoyment on both Friday and Sunday night.

Levittown resident Andy Booth was selected by the Levittown-Island Trees Veterans Council to be the Grand Marshal of this year's Memorial Day Parade.

"The decision was an easy one this year," said Henry To, commander of American Legion Post 1711 and vice president of the council. "The Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day Parade represents our town and what America is all about as we remember our military, our veterans, and those who sacrificed their lives for all of us to be free."

To noted that Booth has made a lifelong effort to do what is right for the community. A longtime resident of Levittown, Booth became involved with protecting its residents by becoming a Levittown firefighter, working his way up to the rank of captain and awarded many times for bravery. For many years, he was active in the training activities of firefighters regarding tactics and procedures of firefighting, fire rescue and CPR. He remains active in some fire department activities today.

"As a decorated US Marine and Vietnam era veteran, Andy Booth knows that in a community there are always individuals and families who may need help or services but may not ask for it," To said. He noted that in this capacity, Booth became active with the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, helping individuals and organizations with establishing or maintaining a business in the community. He added that as a supporter and member of the Levittown Kiwanis Club, Booth joins with them in their efforts to help families dealing with economic difficulties. In addressing housing concerns, Booth is active with the Levittown Property Owners Association. Additionally, Booth voiced concerns with the Levittown School Budget Review Board to help keep down school taxes in the community. To further noted that as vice commander of American Legion Post 1711, Booth continues to fight cutbacks in health benefits for veterans, families and individuals, and as an active officer and member of the American Legion, he is always active with the committees that attend to the homeless, the disabled, and those dealing with developmental disabilities.