The theme of this year's Memorial Day Parade was "Manhasset Commemorates the American Century: 1900-1999." The parade, sponsored by the Manhasset American Legion Post 304, began promptly at 10 a.m. , led by the Manhasset High School Marching Band, playing a medley of George M. Cohan tunes. At the conclusion of the parade, the marchers and those in attendance, gathered, as is the tradition, at Memorial Field, where Post Commander Francis Padar, acknowledged the parade chairman, Vice Commander Richard Miller, and Legionnaire Virgilio Reyes, survivor of the Bataan death march in World War II. The national anthem was sung by Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire, accompanied by the Manhasset High School Band, under the direction of Randy Knudsen.

The invocation was given by Rev. Maurice A. Fetty, senior minister of the Congregational Church of Manhasset. The Poppy Queen, Joy Dyer of Manhasset High School, was introduced and floral tributes were placed at the foot of the memorial. Chaplain Charles J. Schnurr read the roll call of the honored dead who have died since last year's Memorial Day. After a salute by the firing squad and Taps played by Michael Corti and John Polowczyk of Manhasset High School, Vice Commander Frank A. Brady began the presentation of awards. School awards were won by Stacey FitzPatrick of St. Mary's High School and Brian O'Leary of Manhasset High School. Boys State Awards were won by Luke Donatelli and Jeffrey Dussich of Manhasset High School and John Imperale Jr. of Chaminade High School.

Auxiliary President Marilyn Furlong introduced Mary McGuire, incoming president, who presented school awards to Meredith McHale of St. Mary's High School and Kaari Pelzer of Manhasset High School. Theresa Bjorkman, the Auxiliary Girls State Chairlady, presented the Girls State Award to Poppy Queen Joy Dyer of Manhasset High School.

Due to the extreme heat of the day (one Boy Scout holding a flag collapsed and was revived) Commander Padar curtailed his remarks. Briefly, he stated that we all can do more for our country and urged his listeners to personally commit themselves to protect and strengthen our country--to listen to the words we speak when we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, to vote our consciences and to be active in our community.

The Benediction was given by Leo J. Daly, S.J. of St. Ignatius Retreat House and the crowd followed Robert McGuire in singing God Bless America.