Residents can enjoy the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony in downtown Syosset sponsored by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion this Memorial Day, May 29.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the Variety Pre-Schooler's Workshop, located at 47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset. From there, participants will move north on Jackson Avenue, cross the railroad tracks into downtown Syosset, where it will conclude at the Berry Hill Road intersection.

As always, the VFW and American Legion officers will command and lead the parade. This year the VFW is considered the official host, as the two alternate each year.

A ceremony will be held at the train station following the parade. There, Gus Scutari, a member of the VFW and parade coordinator, will take the podium after he marches to read the list of veterans and raise the American flag as the Syosset High School band performs. Local politicians will also make a presentation here. Senator Carl Marcellino, Supervisor John Venditto and County Executive Thomas Gulotta were all invited to participate in the festivities.

"I have been planning this parade for the past ten years, with the exception of one," said Scutari. "We started planning at the beginning of this year. It takes a lot of work to get everyone together."

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, local churches, Knights of Columbus, the Syosset fire department, bands and the Nassau Suffolk Horseman's Association of Rough Riders will be some of the many organizations participating in this year's parade. Over 500 children are expected to participate and the VFW, this year's official host, has invited the children back to the VFW Hall following the parade.

The Syosset Chamber of Commerce will also be represented at the parade. Approximately 15 members as well as the officers will march and show their support in this year's Memorial Day parade.

Residents are urged to line the streets, watch this parade and pay their respects by remembering the fallen veterans.