I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the Franklin Square VFW and American Legion for all their hard work in the annual Memorial Day Parade.

From our Grand Marshal Nino from A&S Bagels, Commander Ron Bohning, Vinnie Nocerino, Joe Ra and the color guard to the Carey High School Band and cheerleaders, the parade was truly spectacular. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department, led by assistant chiefs Rick Greenwood and Chris Gioia, for making the day special for our Veterans. I also want to salute the Boy and Girl Scouts, Brownies, Cub Scouts, chamber of commerce, pipe band, library board and all the marchers in the parade. They made all of Franklin Square proud.

As we all marched the parade route, I was truly heartened to see all the people with flags. I was especially pleased to see our young people lining the streets. On a personal note, I was honored to march alongside these great heroes of our greater community.

At the conclusion of the parade, a special ceremony was held at the Veteran's memorial at Rath Park. The speeches from the commanders of the VFW and American Legion truly reminded all of us about the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. When you_looked at the crowd at the park, you saw the faces of Franklin Square's "Greatest Generation." They served our country when freedom's torch was under attack. They answered the call.

Today, the blessings we have are thanks to all of those men who were at the ceremony. Those blessings are also thanks to those who did not come home. That is why we must remember them.

As we all go about our daily lives, I ask that we take a moment and think about these men and women who were there for our country. Say thank you to those members of our "Greatest Generation." We can never thank them or their families enough for their personal sacrifice.

Assemblyman Tom Alfano