An extraordinary amount of work and effort goes into producing the annual Plainview-Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade. Since February the members of the planning committee have been devoted to creating the best parade yet. Set your clocks. Get up early! Bring a cup of coffee, a chair and someone you love to watch Old Country Road turn into a panorama of color, honor and pride.

Monday, May 31, the Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 9:30 a.m. going down Old Country Road and proceeding to the Washington Ave. Park for dedication ceremonies.

The Veterans of Foreign wars, the American Legion and The United States Marine Corps Color Guard lead the parade. This year's Grand Marshal, Robert Reahl, is a 50-year member of Plainview's American Legion.

The principal of the high school, Art Jonas, will be this year's honoree and march along with hundreds of children, teachers, administrators and members of the board of education. The POBJFK marching band will provide the beat to help keep everyone in step.

Brian Strumwasser, a brilliant local artist, will be unveiling Plainview's own Horse of a Different Color sculpture he designed for the POB Chamber of Commerce. Judy Jacobs helped obtain the horse for the Plainview-Old Bethpage community and after the parade its home will be next to the Live, Work & Play in Plainview-Old Bethpage sign on the grass by Central Park and Old Country Road.

Each year, hundreds of people line the streets to watch and cheer the brave men and women from the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department, Senior Citizen Club, POB Soccer and Little League Baseball, POB Chamber of Commerce, Boy and Girl Scouts, Golden Retriever Rescue, PAL Lacrosse, Postal workers and the Plainview Library. DJ Double G will provide music and dance and Ronald McDonald will be there too. Antique cars, over 50 different makes and models, will spin their wheels and toot their horns as we all salute our heroes past and present.