Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts proudly march down Metropolitan Avenue.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Girl Scouts wave their American flags at the crowds that gathered to cheer on the parade. Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Crowds lined up along Metropolitan Avenue to commemorate the sacrifices and remember the heroism of veterans for the annual Memorial Day parade in Forest Hills.
It’s a ceremony that has grown over the past years, from the small event it was when Our Lady of Mercy’s Monsignor John McGuirl was a 10-year-old boy in the neighborhood to this year’s event – for which McGuirl was one of the grand marshals – that drew a crowd of patriots from throughout the area.
“This parade use to be a couple of boy scouts, cub scouts, couple of veterans from wars, and that was about it,” he said. “It’s become a much bigger and brighter parade than it used to be.”
Our Lady of Mercy’s Monsignor John McGuirl noted how the Forest Hills parade has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Here, he speaks to the crowd as Queens Borough President Melinda Katz looks on. Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
The monsignor’ was joined by Joseph Hennessy, chairman of Community Board 6, and Terrance Holliday, commissioner of the mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, as the parade’s grand marshals, waving back to flag-holding onlookers and saluting veterans in the crowd.
“These people who fought and died who wore the uniform and have passed away. They’re responsible for where we are today,” said Holliday.
They walked with a large procession that included bagpipe players, a marching band, and some elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
Sunday’s parade drew people of all generations to show their patriotism.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
“The whole neighborhood comes out every single year,” said Katz, who sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” for the ceremony. “This is a parade that’s been here for decades. It’s a true commitment to our veterans and those who gave their life for our country.”
A topic some of the representatives and speakers at the event touched on was the need to support veterans, especially in light of the recent national veterans affair scandal.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has come under fire in recent weeks following allegations that veterans hospitals concealed wait times for primary care that exceeded the maximum 14-day period, which are alleged to have contributed to the deaths of 40 veterans. The claims remain under investigation, and 26 veterans facilities across the country are now under review.
By Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Richmond Hill Historical Society members Diane Freel, left, and Helen Day thrilled many parade goers with their outfits.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
All-City High School marching band members perform.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Members of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society join the parade each year.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Residents gather for a Memorial Day ceremony at Remsen Memorial Park.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Councilman Eric Ulrich, left, joins Terrance Holliday, one of the parade’s grand marshals and commissioner of the mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Veterans and other residents gather at Remsen Memorial Park for a ceremony honoring the men and women who gave their lives for their country. Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, left, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, state Sen. Toby Stavisy, and Grand Marshal Terrance Holliday attend the Forest Hills parade. Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
Community Board 6 Chairman Joseph Hennessy was one of the parade’s grand marshals.
Photos by Cesar R. Bustamante, Jr.
