By Michael V. Cusenza
“Raise Old Glory to full staff!” Patrick Connolly barked, the U.S. Marine Corps veteran’s order piercing the damp, overcast atmosphere just as much as the ceremonial rounds spit from the rifles of the armed corps, or “Taps” crying out of the trumpet.
Howard Beach recognized its war dead on Monday.
Braving the inclement elements, hundreds gathered for the community’s annual Memorial Day parade to pay respect to those military service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The parade made several stops, including at the Vietnam War Memorial at 157th Avenue and 99th Street, where Connolly, the commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2565 and organizer of the annual event, called for the Stars and Stripes to be raised high in sentry above the neighborhood. Though he relied on a cane to get around on Monday, Connolly stood at attention as the flag made its way up the pristine white pole, a red, white and blue wreath at its base.
Marchers also made a pilgrimage to the World War II Memorial at Howard Beach Assembly of God on 99th Street, where they listened to the names of soldiers who died in the line of duty during the second global conflict.
“It is our honor and our duty to remember and honor Howard Beach’s war dead,” Connolly said.
