American Legion Commander John Donovan, Color Guard Mike McMahon, and Parade Grand Marshall C. J. Smith March in the 2008 Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26th was a beautiful day for Garden City's celebration of Memorial Day to honor military veterans who have made the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives to ensure our freedoms. The approximately 1200 young people and adults who marched in the parade were applauded by the several thousand spectators who lined the parade route and offered their applause and salutes to our veterans, and to others marching.

The Memorial Day Ceremony conducted at the Garden City Middle School went flawlessly, with short speeches by several dignitaries including State Senator Kemp Hannon, State Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, Mayor Peter Bee, Adelphi President Robert Scott, and LIRR President Helena Williams.

This year's parade was dedicated to a military unit and also to a single individual. American Legion Commander John Donovan asked for a moment of silence and prayer for members of Garden City's 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines who departed once again for the war in Iraq at 3 AM, that very Memorial Day morning. Commander Donovan also introduced this year's Parade Grand Marshall, C. J. Smith, a decorated 82nd Airborne Division Vietnam War veteran, who, as a Lieutenant and Captain, was awarded Paratrooper Wings, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Vietnam Service Medals, the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and one of the Army's highest medals - the Bronze Star Medal. Commander Donovan also thanked Mr. Smith for his avid interest in the history of Garden City, and the many things he has done to make life interesting for our residents.

Many of the spectators then went to the Garden City train station to participate in the 100th anniversary of the first electrification of the Long Island Railroad, where a plaque was presented to Mayor Bee, and spectators were treated to a display of three beautiful antique cars from Sam Greco's collection, plus photographs of the train station around the turn of the last century.