06/02/2026
A week ago today Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day parade became a part of history. The day started out a little wet but turned into a perfect day for a parade. Many thanks to the schools and organizations who braved the weather. I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout. The New York City Joint Service Color Guard proudly led the line of march with the US Army Garrison leadership, Col. Misty Cantwell and CSM Eric Riding. Our NYPD Color Guard was sharp with the NYPD band following in their footsteps. Our Grand Marshals, BG Michael J. Deegan and Robin Kelleher, the CEO/Co-Founder of Hope for the Warriors, marched the route followed by Cary Spickler’s 1946 Wily’s jeep. Our Deputy Grand Marshals enjoyed the day, US Navy Veteran Joe Bello, Ironworker Local 361, Operating Engineer Local 14-14b and the Borinqueneers, the 65th Infantry Regiment who fought so valiantly in Korea.
Thank you to all the folks who donated to this patriotic endeavor. Could not do it without you. Our major sponsors this year made it happen. Margo & John Catsimatidis, Catholic War Veterans, the Ironworkers and Operating Engineers, Kings County American Legion, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Brooklyn Parks and Councilwoman Susan Zhuang. Go to www.brooklynmemorialdayparade.com to see a full list of our partners. And please use their services. They are the engine that keeps this parade marching down Third Ave. And don’t forget to eat at the 19 restaurants who donated to our fundraiser at the Salty Dog. You will probably see one of the bands who performed for our Veterans at the fundraiser.
A big shout out to Richard Tang from PS 229 who did a great job singing our nations anthem and to Star Scout John McCluskey and 2nd Class Scout Katelyn Chen from the St. Anselm’s scouting program for leading us in our pledge of allegiance. The Downtown Dames were awesome, Christian Meyers from Clan Eirean Pipes & Drums led the memorial service with his bag pipes, legionnaires from the American Legion Coffey Wison post 688 raised our flag in the park while Veteran Service organizations laid wreaths. The Veteran Corps of Artillery fired off a 21-gun salute to pay respect to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in selfless service to our nation, and buglers Dany Dominguez & Eric Goldberg from the Fort Hamilton High School Marching Regiment played Echo Taps. Truly an amazing service to honor the fallen. Thanks again to all those who lined Third Ave. Your Veterans appreciate it. And major applause for all the volunteers. You’re the best!
Mark your calendars for Brooklyn’s 160th Memorial Day Parade on May 31, 2027.
