Edward J. Gaus, commander of the Manhasset Post 304, American Legion and James R. Russell, parade chairman, have announced the parade order and schedule for the traditional Manhasset Memorial Day Parade, and for the attendant memorial services. All Manhasset residents, their families and friends are invited to join the legion in this remembrance of the great sacrifice of American heroes. The theme of the parade this year, "Enduring Freedom - Year of the Soldier" is a reminder of the attack on our freedom on Sept. 11 and the events that followed sending our military halfway around the world to engage those who would seek to annihilate us. The sacrifice of those civilians/firefighters/police to the attack of that day and its aftermath and the quick and resolute response of the military (civilian warriors) to such an incomprehensible action rest heavily on all our minds.

In preparation for the memorial ceremonies, the legion will place American flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries and participate with other legion posts to decorate the graves at Pinelawn National Cemetery. Memorial wreaths will also be placed at five memorial monuments in Manhasset. Plandome Road has been appropriately decorated for the occasion.

A memorial service in honor of our war dead, will be held on Sunday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at the Community Reformed Church at 90 Plandome Road, Manhasset. All are invited to attend.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. There are over 40 organizations scheduled to march, including five bands and more than 30 pieces of fire apparatus and other vehicles.

The route of the parade will be along Plandome Road from Plandome Court to Memorial Place, with excellent public viewing along the entire length. Those planning to march in the parade are expected to be present, ready to march in their designated assembly areas no later than 9:30 a.m.

The First Division, which assembles on Plandome Court South, facing west, includes the Nassau County Police Department escort, the 319th. Statue of Liberty US Army Unit with its band, the American Legion - Manhasset Post 304 and the Auxiliary Unit, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Legion vehicles and the Poppy Queen. Included in the First Division will be honored guest Virgilio Reyes, who is a survivor of the Bataan Death March in 1942. First Vice Commander James R. Russell will be the Division Commander.

The Second Division, which assembles on Heights Road, facing west, includes the Inisfada Gaelic Pipe Band, the Boy Scouts of America, Troops 97 and 71; the Cub Scouts Pack 3 and Pack 101, the Manhasset Youth Council, the Episcopal Church celebrating its 200th Anniversary, Christ Our Savior Nursery School, Adventures in Learning and the North Shore Nursery School. Second Vice Commander John F. Keitz is the Division Commander.

The Third Division, which meets on Plandome Court, facing south, behind the First Division, includes the Manhasset High School Marching Band, the Girl Scouts Daisy Troops 532 and 553; Brownie Troops 503, 509, 512, 513, 542, 544, 546 and 551; Junior Troops 502, 516, 523, 539 and 4078; Cadette Troops 515 and 517; the Manhasset Police Athletic League, and Manhasset-Great Neck E.O.C. The division commander is Past Post Commandeer Frank V. Padar.

The Fourth Division, which meets on Heights Road, facing west, behind the Second Division, includes the Manhattan College Pipe Band, the Kiwanis Club of Manhasset, Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations, Manhasset Baseball League, the First Baptist Church of Great Neck and the Plandome Fire Department. The Division Commander will be Third Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta.

The Fifth Division, which forms on Bournedale Road North, facing west (starting at the junction with Plandome Road) includes the Inisfada Gaelic Pipe Bank (No. 2) the Guild of Saint Francis Hospital, North Shore Right to Life Committee, Knights of Columbus, Manhasset Soccer Club, the US Postal Service and the Manhasset Park District.

The Sixth Division, which assembles on Summit Drive, facing east, provides the parade climax - the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department with the Nassau County Police Department Pipe Band led by the Commissioners of the Fire District.

The parade will conclude in formation at Memorial Field where a special area will be designated for public viewing of the Memorial Services. The program will begin with the National Anthem, played by the Manhasset High School Band under the direction of Randy Knudsen and sung by Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire.

The Reverend Leslie C. Hughs, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church will give the Invocation. The Poppy Queen, Miss Laurie-Anne Haller, will then be introduced.

The presentation of the floral tributes by the public will follow after which Chaplain William A. Baxter of Post 304 will read the Roll Call of the honored dead, accompanied by drummer Theo Katzman of Manhasset High School. Taps will be rendered by Roger Kalia and Andrew Syracuse both of Manhasset High School.

Vice Commander John F. Keitz will present school awards to William Shea of Saint Mary's High School and to Omar Querehi of Manhasset High School. The Boys' State Scholarship will be awarded to Christopher J. Moore and John D. Lawrence of Manhasset High School and Anthony F. Gadaleta of BSA Manhasset Troop #97.

Theresa Bogner Bjorkman, president of the Manhasset Auxiliary 304, will preside over the girls' awards. Marilyn Furlong, Americanism chairlady, will present the school awards to Veronica Urban of Saint Mary's High School and to Lisa Scansaroli of Manhasset High School. Mrs. Barbara Pierce, girls' state chairlady, will present the Girls' State Scholarship to Laurie-Anne Haller of Manhasset High School.

After brief remarks by Commander Gaus, the Rev. James E. Brown Only of the Congregational Church of Manhasset, will give the benediction. To close the service, Robert E. McGuire will lead the audience in singing God Bless America, accompanied by the 319th Statue of Liberty Band.