The American Legion Manhasset Post 304 proclaimed "Spreading Freedom" as the theme for this year's parade. The day was full of sparkling sunshine, starting out cool and comfortable. The three-day Memorial Day weekend was filled with sunshine and certainly contributed to the overwhelming participation and attendance by the community. The weekend began on Saturday morning a little after 6 a.m. with Legionnaires and Boy Scouts with parents flagging the graves of the veterans at Pinelawn National Cemetery. Some 25 to 30 Scouts from the Post sponsored Boy Scouts of America Troop 97 and nine Legionnaires with great reverence and respect, took bundles of flags and placed them before each of the veterans' graves. On Sunday, the Post Legionnaires and the Auxiliary attended an ecumenical Memorial Church Service at the Christ Episcopal Church. The service was conducted by the Reverend David Lowry for a congregation that included some 30 Post and Auxiliary members.

The weather was magnificent for the parade, being sunny, clear and cool. The sidewalks were crowded with spectators and children sitting on the curbs waving little flags in their hands throughout the entire length of the parade route. The parade began promptly at 10 a.m., led by the U.S. Army 319th Statue of Liberty Band directed by CWO Stephen Joseph, the bandmaster escorted by the Nassau County Police Department Motorcycle Unit. The Manhasset Post Legionnaires and Auxiliary marched in three columns followed by antique cars carrying the Poppy Queen and veterans unable to march this day. The long columns of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other children, community service groups and the two local fire departments, were followed by a long line of fire trucks and vehicles.

A legionnaire, leaving the Post after the parade, was asked by two little girls if he had been in the parade. Upon responding positively, one of the girls said, "It was the greatest."

The six parade divisions concluded their march by assembling in formation at Memorial Field. Post Commander, James R. Russell opened the program by introducing Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire, accompanied by the Manhasset School Band under the direction of Randy Knudsen, who led the crowd in singing the National Anthem. The invocation was given by the Reverend Jimmy Only, Pastor of the Congregational Church of Manhasset. This year's Poppy Queen was introduced and escorted to the podium, after which a number of groups including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies presented floral tributes. Chaplain William G. Martin read the roll call for the honored deceased, accompanied by drummer Michael Sabino of the Manhasset High School Band. Since the last Memorial Day, 22 veterans from the community have passed away. Stephen Cucharo and John Kennelly of the Manhasset High School Band, with SFC Gregory Hall and SSgt. Sam Hunte of the 319th Statue of Liberty Band, played taps.

Vice-commander Anthony W. Buzzitta presented school awards to Timothy Ondrey of St. Mary's High School and Adam Care of Manhasset High School. Both young men demonstrated high academics, community service and athletic participation. Boys Scout Awards were presented to Aiden O'Hora, of Manhasset Boy Scout Troop 97, David Nebel and Michael Nissenbaum of Manhasset High School and Richard Giovine of Manhasset Boy Scout Troop 71.

Auxiliary President Rita Eredics introduced Americanism Chairwoman Marilyn Furlong who presented school awards to Eileen Ward of Manhasset High School and Alexandra Lervolino of St. Mary's High School. Doris Bezkor, the Auxiliary's Girls' state chairwoman, presented the Girls' State Award to Poppy Queen Michelle Sullivan of Manhasset High School.

Commander Russell spoke briefly, reminding everyone that "we are paying homage to our fallen heroes of past and present wars. They sacrificed their lives to give us the freedom we now enjoy in this great country." He continued that the "theme for the parade is Spreading Freedom. It signifies America's action now being taken in response to horrific terrorist attacks against this country on September 11, 2001 which resulted, in particular in a great loss of life for Manhasset residents." He mentioned the Post's adoption of the U.S. Army 301st Area Support Group currently serving in Iraq and closed with a reflection on the origin of the Memorial Day Holiday tradition. The commander closed reminding everyone that "we must never forget what they did for us. Never." He then asked for a moment of silence for the honored dead.

The Reverend Stuart Clark, pastor of the Community Reformed Church of Manhasset gave the Benediction. The ceremonies ended with the singing of God Bless America led by Legionnaire Robert E. McGuire, accompanied by the 319th Statue of Liberty Band.