As the chairman of this 2003 Memorial Day Parade and commander of the Mineola Memorial Post #349 of the American Legion and also on behalf of our membership, I wish to convey and extend my thanks to all those who were kind enough to give of their time to march, ride or participate otherwise.

Unfortunately, the weather was inclement with heavy rain and had to be canceled.

However, upon canceling I proceeded to utilize whatever telephone numbers were on the list of participants to hastily inform them that an alternate site was available, namely the Mineola Village Hall and Committee Center for the ceremonial portion of the Memorial Day Parade at which each organization's representative could express views and comments, along with various individuals and elected or appointed officials of various levels of government volunteer service organizations, Boy Scouts, etc.

To name only those who were fortunate enough to be made aware of the alternate site would be unfair to all those others who were prepared to take part in the day's events.

I as well as the members of our Post were deeply moved and honored to see such a large turnout on such short notice.

I apologize to the many others whom I was unable to contact. However, next year we will, with the permission of the mayor and board of trustees, place in the notice of all future patriotic and memorial services involving veterans, civilians, as well as many others including the annual Memorial Day Parade, an alternate site in case of inclement weather, the Mineola Community Center, which is indoors and much more comfortable than rain or any other natural weather-related problems.

My personal thanks to Ray Vaz, trustee of Post #349, Ann Vaz, Ladies Auxiliary president, Ida Mammina and Mary Carullo, Ladies Auxiliary, for your great help in making the occasion as great as it was. Your efforts were duly noted and appreciated by all.

We learn from our mistakes and shortcomings at the same time making us stronger in our resolve and more united in a common cause such as paying respect and homage to all for whom Memorial Day was created, from the beginning of our great country and continuing on into the future for eternity.

In the interest of brevity I must conclude with God Bless America and God bless you all and we thank those who were, are and will be a part of making this America the greatest country before, now and forever.

Sal Cataldo, Commander and Parade Chairman

Executive Board and Membership

of Post #349 American Legion