James R. Russell, commander of the Manhasset Post 304, American Legion and John F. Keitz, 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 sacrifices of American heroes. The theme of the parade this year, "Spreading Freedom," is a reminder that members of our military are currently engaged in preserving our freedom from terrorists as well as protecting fledgling democratic societies from insurgents who would take away their freedom. In particular, we honor the members of the 301st Area Support Group, 77th Regional Readiness Command from Fort Totten, New York, which Post 304, and indeed, the entire Manhasset community has adopted while they are deployed in Iraq. Memorial Day is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by previous and present generations to preserve this freedom. We must never forget what they did and why they died.

The Legion will place American flags on the graves of veterans in local cemeteries and will participate with other Legion posts to decorate veterans' graves at Pinelawn National Cemetery, in preparation for the Memorial Day ceremonies. Memorial wreaths will also be placed at the five memorial monuments in Manhasset.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 29, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1355 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, at 10 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 30, the parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. There are over 35 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, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 304, and the Women's Auxiliary Unit; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Legion vehicles and the Poppy Queen. First Vice Commander, John F. Keitz, will be the Division Commander.

The Second Division, which assembles on Plandome Court, facing south includes the Inisfada Gaelic Pipe Band; the Boy Scouts of America - Troops 97 and 71; the Cub Scout Packs 3 and 101; the Girl Scouts of America - Junior Troops 506, 513, 522, 539, 542, 551, 4078 and 4103; Brownie Troops 519, 521, 526, 529, 531, 532 and 553; Daisy Troops 536 and 538; Manhasset-Great Neck EOC; and Adventures in Learning. Second Vice Commander, Anthony W. Buzzitta, is the Division Commander.

The Third Division, which meets on Bourndale Road North, facing west at the junction with Plandome Road, includes the Manhasset High School Marching Band; the Manhasset Police Athletic League; Manhasset Baseball League; The Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations and the North Riding Chapter/NSDAR. The Division Commander is William G. Martin.

The Fourth Division will assemble on Bourndale Road North facing west (starting at the junction with Winthrope Road) includes the Manhattan College Pipe Band; the Tower Foundation; Church of Our Savior Lutheran Nursery School; the North Shore Nursery School; the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce; The Kiwanis Club; The Rotary Club; Knights of Columbus; the North Shore Right to Life Committee; The Guild of St. Francis Hospital; and the Manhasset Soccer Club. The Division Commander will be Past Post Commander Ed Gaus.

The Fifth Division, which forms on Heights Road facing west, includes the Molloy High School Pipe Band and the Plandome Fire Department. The Division Commander is Joseph LaBella.

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, following a tradition of more than 35 years, sung by Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire, a former WWII POW.

The Reverend Jimmy Only, Pastor, Congregational Church of Manhasset, will give the Invocation. The Poppy Queen, Miss Michelle Sullivan of Manhasset High School, will then be introduced.

The presentation of the floral tributes by the public will follow after which Chaplain William G. Martin of Post 304 will read the Roll Call of the honored dead, accompanied by drummer, Mr. Michael Sabino of the Manhasset High School Band. Taps will be rendered by Steven Cucharo and John Keneally, both with the Manhasset High School Band, and SFC Gregory Hall and Sgt. Sam Hunte, both of the 319th Statue of Liberty Band.

Vice Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta will present school awards to Mr. Timothy Ondrey; St. Mary's High School and to Mr. Adam Care of Manhasset High School. The Boys' State Scholarships will be awarded to Mr. Aiden O'Hora, Manhasset BSA Troop #97, to Mr. Michael Nissenbaum and Mr. David Nebel, both representing Manhasset High School and to Mr. Richard Giovino, representing BSA Troop #71.

Rita Eredics, president of the Manhasset Auxiliary 304, will preside over the girl's awards. Mrs. Marilyn Furlong, Americanism Chairlady, will present school awards to Miss Eileen Ward of Manhasset High School and Miss Alexandra Iervolino from St. Mary's High School. Mrs. Doris Bezkor, Girl's State chairlady, will present the Girl's State Award to Michelle Sullivan of Manhasset High School.

After brief remarks by Commander Russell, the Reverend Stuart Clark, pastor, Community Reformed Church of Manhasset, will give the benediction. To close the service, Legionnaire Robert McGuire will lead the audience in singing God Bless America accompanied by the US Army 319th Statue of Liberty Band directed by CWO Stephen Joseph, Band Master.