Not many people may know what they will be doing on May 28, but members of the community have already started to make plans - the Plainview-Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade Committee has already begun to plan this year's Memorial Day parade.

The parade, which starts on Old Country Road just west of Route 135, turns left on Manetto Hill Road, makes a quick right on Washington Avenue and ends at the Washington Avenue Park, has been providing enjoyment for local residents for many years.

When Leonard B. Symons started coordinating the parade approximately ten years ago, he decided to focus on the children in the community. This year's theme of Hometown USA will follow along with that idea. Selected middle school students will interview veterans and have the opportunity to speak at the park during the ceremonies regarding the lessons the veterans taught them.

"This is a wonderful way to teach the students about the veterans," said Symons. "Seeing the kids speak is the best. The veterans are glowing at the honor and at the same time, the children learn something. We really like to educate our children and teach them about values and about how and why we live in a free society. This is one of those hands-on moments that is a lot better than having a barbecue in the backyard or going to a Memorial Day sale - you can do that later in the day."

The last few years, the parade committee, which is comprised of approximately 12 members, has gone outside of just honoring veterans and also honored people who have improved the community.

Last year, the family of a high school teacher, who suddenly passed away, was honored. "We have turned Memorial Day, without losing the spirit and objective of the day to honor our veterans, into a community event with emphasis on the children and the residents," said Symons. "We bring the children into the parade."

Also to remember the spirit of the day and incorporate the children there is a quilt made to honor the veterans and it continues to grow. Each square of the quilt, which is made by the students, represents a veteran and his or her service.

Another item on the agenda of the Parade Committee's meeting was to select a Grand Marshal. "We are currently reviewing candidates particularly those given to us by the veterans organizations," said Symons. "There will be a number of other people who will be honored at the parade and that is also being actively reviewed." Although the veterans have a great deal of input on this subject, the committee will ultimately make the decision who the Grand Marshal will be.

The Memorial Day Parade provides an opportunity to join the community and bring everyone together. In his span as parade coordinator, Symons has made some changes to re-emphasize what Memorial Day should mean to the community. "We have been very successful and it has become a real enthusiastic demonstration of support for our veterans," said Symons. "At the same time, we residents of Plainview-Old Bethpage, feel like a community. We have no main street so we feel like we are not whole. So, at least for a few moments that morning, we feel whole again."

Anyone interested in participating should contact Symons at 624-6302 and he will assign a spot in the parade. Parade participants vary and anyone can participate - there will be people rollerblading along the route and also walking with their dogs. Anyone who is not marching in the parade is encouraged to come and stand along the parade route and support fellow members of the community.