It was a magnificent day for a Memorial Day parade. Yet, when the Marine Color Guard and soldiers march passed and the crowd began to clap with pride, all of our thoughts and prayers were focused on the Licalzi family and the tragic loss of their son, First Lieutenant Michael L. Licalzi. As the parade moved passed the crowd in its entire splendor, along came the Garden City Postal Workers who worked so hard to raise $125,000 for Operation Phone Home. They were followed by the Middle School Marching Band lead by Martha Boonshaft.

Ms. Boonshaft and her marching band practiced for months to put on a first-class Memorial Day musical presentation. The students performed with clockwork precision and should be congratulated for their efforts. When the procession moved on, next came the Cub Scout Troops followed by a sea of Brownie Troops. It was an amazing sight to see the numerous troops of Brownies out number the boys. There is no doubt that as these girls progress through life, they will become a formidable force and leaders of tomorrow. Hey boys, watch out!

The two marching soldiers dressed in period Spanish American blue uniforms with khaki cowboy hats, honoring Camp Black, just seem to add to the spirit of the day.

The parade was capped off by the Garden City Fire Department and their magnificent fire trucks, all moving towards the lecture podium at the front of the Middle School to listen to several speakers focusing on such an important day. If you listened carefully to what they had to say, you would find their words to be quite a moving experience.

Father Joseph Schlafer of St. Joseph's Church started the event with a moving prayer of remembrance for all our 55 casualties of wars past and special tribute to First Lieutenant Michael L. Licalzi. However, it was Joan Nedelka, President of the American Legion Auxiliary who seemed to pull it all together by urging us all to get involved in helping our veterans. She talked about the efforts of the American Legion and reminded us of our duty to support our troops.

Senator Kemp Hannon also talked about the sacrifices of our armed forces and again paid wonderful tribute to First Lieutenant Michael L. Licalzi. Senator Hannon also recognized the Garden City Girl Scouts for their efforts working with the American Legion. He ended his speech with a solution for us to get involved by supporting Operation Phone Home and making a contribution at the Garden City Post Office.