"It was the best parade we ever had" was the remark that one heard time and time again on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2000. Although the weather appeared dubious at best early on, by the time the parade began at 10 a.m. the sun was shining. Led by the Manhasset American Legion Post #304, the parade featured music by the Manhasset High School marching band as well as a number of bagpipe units. There were the regular marchers, the Manhasset Community Fund, the Chamber of Commerce, St. Francis Hospital and many troops of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies. The biggest presence was that of the recently organized Manhasset Baseball League which made a wonderful showing. With the conclusion of the parade, after the Plandome Fire Department and the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department did us proud with their brilliant red fire trucks, the Memorial Day ceremony was held, as usual at Memorial Field.

The national anthem was led by Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire accompanied by the Manhasset High School band. The invocation was given by Rev. Thomas E. Hammond, pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, Lutheran. Poppy Queen Lauriana Capone of Manhasset High School was escorted to the podium, followed by the presentation of floral tributes to the deceased veterans by local Brownie and Cub Scout troops. Legion Post Chaplain William A. Baxter read the roll call of the honored dead, accompanied by drummer Brian Levor of Manhasset High School. A firing squad then gave a volley in their honor and Roger Kalia and John Polowczykk of Manhasset High School played taps.

Youth Chairman Vice Commander Edward Gaus presented school awards to John Reardon of St. Mary's High School and Jeffrey Dussich of Manhasset High School. Boy's State awards were given to Steve Gavalas, Sean Callaghan, Matt McDonough and Ryan Linn.

Ladies' Auxiliary President Mary McGuire presented Evelyn Baxter, Americanism Chairlady, who presented school awards to Marianne Folan of St. Mary's and Courtney White of Manhasset High School. Girl's State Chairlady Theresa Bogner Bjorkman presented the Girl's State Award to Poppy Queen Lauriana Capone.

Commander Richard E. Miller spoke briefly about out debt to those who gave the supreme sacrifice after which Rev. John McCartney gave the benediction.

The ceremonies closed with the singing of God Bless America, led by Mr. Robert McGuire.