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" is a reminder that continued vigilance and readiness is the price of freedom. Additionally, it is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by previous and present generations to preserve our freedom. We must never forget what they did nor why they died.

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 will be held on Sunday, May 25, at the Church of Our Savior, Lutheran, 1901 Northern Blvd., Manhasset at 1 a.m. in honor of our war dead. All are urged to attend and join with the legion in remembrance of the great sacrifice of these citizen soldiers.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, the parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. There are more than 50 organizations scheduled to march, including six 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 motorcycle escort; the U.S. Army 319th Statue of Liberty band; the American Legion - Manhasset Post 304 and the auxiliary unit; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; legion vehicles and the poppy queen. 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; Troop 97 and 71; the Cub Scout Packs 3 and 101; the Girl Scouts of America: Senior Troop 515; Cadette Troop 507; Junior Troops 502, 506, 509, 510, 516, 539, 550 and 4078; Brownie Troops 503, 512, 513, 522, 528, 532, 533, 542, 551, 553, 554 and 4103; Daisy Troops 524, 526 and 529; Manhasset-Great Neck E.O.C.; and Adventures in Learning. 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 Manhasset Police Athletic League; Manhasset Baseball League; Manhasset Community Care; Manhasset Chamber of Commerce; Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations; the Community Liaison Committee of Manhasset; and the North Riding Chapter NSDAR. The Division Commander is Third Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta.

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; Rotary Club; the Tower Foundation; Christ Our Saviour Nursery School; the North Shore Nursery School; Manhasset Soccer Club; Knights of Columbus; the Guild of Saint Francis Hospital; and the North Shore Right to Life Committee. The Division Commander will be Joseph Labella.

The Fifth Division, which forms on Bournedale Road North, facing west (starting at the junction with Plandome Road) includes the Molloy High School Pipe Band; the Plandome Fire Department; the U.S. Postal Service and the Manhasset Park District. The Division Commander is William Martin.

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 William D. O'Rourke, Church of Saint Mary will give the invocation. The Poppy Queen, Nancy Fernandez, 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 Lee Meryash of the Manhasset High School band. Taps will be rendered by Roger Kalia and Sara Zerner, both with the Manhasset High School Band.

Vice Commander John F. Keitz will present school awards to Mr. Daniel Nolan of Saint Mary's High School and to John Patrick Bennett, of Manhasset High School. The boys' state scholarship will be awarded to James Alexander, Manhasset BSA Troop #97, Joseph T. Vogel, Manhasset BSA Troop #97, Christopher Imperiale, Chaminade High School and Christopher Bianco of Saint Mary's High School.

Theresa Bogner Bjorkman, president of the Manhasset Auxiliary 304, will preside over the girl's awards. Marilyn Furlong, Americanism chairlady, will present the school award to Jillian Sala of Manhasset High School. Barbara Pierce, girl's state chairlady, will present the girl's state award to Nancy Fernandez of Manhasset High School.

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