As one Colonial Parkway resident remarked as we waited for the Memorial Day Parade to march down Plandome Road, "Now summer can begin." That's how many people in Manhasset feel, ourselves included. The Memorial Day Parade in Manhasset is a unique event with participants from our oldest to our youngest residents and those in attendance also spanning the generations. In fact this year it appeared that there were fewer children on the sidelines. That was probably because there were many more children marching than in the past. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts (and especially Brownies) swelled the ranks and the new Manhasset Baseball League made its presence known as it joined the PAL Lacrosse and LIJSL soccer players and the CYO athletes in the march. Incidentally, we particularly enjoyed St. Mary's Girls CYO basketball team's entry, dribbling their basketballs down the road.

Of course this the American Legion's parade and, as always, it was run with great professionalism and dignity. Legionnaires remember their fallen comrades and continue to remind us of the sacrifice made by so many. The parade also serves as an annual reminder of those who did not die in war but who served their country--of the heroes who still live among us and who never look for praise or thanks for their service to their country and to those of us who were safe at home and to our then unborn children.

Commander Frank Padar sounded precisely the right note when he simply suggested that, as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we listen carefully to the words we are saying. When we do we will be reminded that this is a country dedicated to "liberty and justice for all," a principle for which those we honor on Memorial Day gave their lives.

E.F.B.