Parade Grand Marshall Tom Ryder, Garden City Class of 2002 & West Point Class of 2006 On Monday, May 25th, Garden City's Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies will honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, and will also honor all those currently serving or those who have served in the past in the military.

This year's Parade Grand Marshall is Army Captain Thomas Ryder, Garden City High School graduate of 2002, and 2006 graduate of West Point. Captain Ryder is still on active duty, having recently returned from a combat tour in Iraq during which he was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.

The day's activities will begin at 9:00 AM with a non-denominational service at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. A Parade thru the Village of Garden City will step off at 10:00 AM from Cherry Valley Avenue and 10th street, east on 10th Street, south on Franklin Avenue and west on 7th Street, ending at the Middle School. The reviewing stand will be located just west of the Library.

A ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM on the front lawn of the Middle School, beginning with the raising of the American flag, by Eagle Scout Eddie Orenchuk III, Life Scout Alex Woinich, and Gold Scouts Victoria Chimento, Ryann McAndrews, and Alyssa Zinga. Names of the 57 Garden City residents who have been killed in combat will be read, followed by the playing of taps in their honor.

This wonderful parade is a highlight for the thousands of children and adults who march in the parade or watch from sidewalks along the route. Seeing the large and beautiful fire trucks at the end of the parade is always a favorite.

With your support, this will be a fitting Memorial Day Tribute to our fallen heroes. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will take place inside the Middle School Auditorium at 11:00 A.M.