Tag Archives: Memorial Day Parade

Bay Ridge People Events

Eddie the Eagle Makes Friends on Parade Day!

Eddie the Eagle was on hand for the 145th Memorial Day Parade in Bay Ridge, where he greeted some old friends and made lots of new ones. Did you meet Eddie on parade day? If so, you might be included in this special online photo gallery. Enjoy!

News

Marine Vet Proud To Lead Memorial Day Parade Here

Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal Mike Long appears in full uniform as a member of the Marines in this 1958 photo.

By Paula Katinas

Bay Ridge — Mike Long was just 18 years old when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the late 1950s. Today, more than 50 years later, Long is preparing to be the Grand Marshal of the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, the oldest continually run Memorial Day march in the country.
“I was proud, but humbled by the honor,” Long said, referring to the parade committee asking him to lead their parade.
Long, who is perhaps best known as the chairman of the New York State Conservative Party and as one of the most respected political minds on the scene, was once a youngster looking up in awe at the military heroes returning home from World War II.
“I’m old enough to remember the end of World War II. I saw my uncle come home from the war. He was a Marine. From that moment on, I wanted to be a Marine. I guess he made an impression on me,” Long said.
Eighteen-year-old Mike Long, who grew up in East New York, realized his dream when he signed up for the Marines, going through boot camp at Parris Island.
“Basic training instills character in you. You learn teamwork and responsibility. You learn that if you make a mistake, it could cost your fellow Marines their lives. It makes you more well-rounded and secure,” he said.
Long was stationed in Okinawa for 15 months. He also served in the Philippines and came away from his time there with the memory of a lifetime. read more »

Entertainment Events

Win Dinner for 2 at 16 Local Restaurants

Raffle tickets are now being sold at 16 local restaurants to benefit the Bay Ridge Memorial Day Parade, according to Frankie Marra, the executive board member for fundraising for United War Veterans of Kings County.

The tickets, which cost $10 each, are part of a “16 Nights in Bay Ridge” raffle, the grand prize of which will be “Dinner for Two ($100 Gift Certificate)” at all 16 Bay participating Bay Ridge restaurants, according to Marra. That’s a $1,600 value! Plus, all the proceeds go to funding the Bay Ridge Memorial Day Parade, Marra said.

The participating restaurants are: Cebu, Gold Coast, Areo’s, Skinflints, Kettle Black, Ho’Brah, Hunter’s, Chadwick’s, Pipin’s Pub, Greenhouse Cafe, Pearl Room, Salty Dog, Trace, Tanoreen, Schnitzel Haus and Yellow Hook Grille.

The winner will be announced at the April 29 “Save Our Memorial Day Parade” fundraiser at the Salty Dog, 7509 Third Ave., featuring musical performances all day long, from noon to 11 p.m. Admission to that event will be $20 at the door and, once again, all proceeds go to benefit the parade.

For more information, visit the website at www.brooklynmemorialdayparade.com.

Events

Memorial Day Parade Committee Meets

The United Military Veterans of Kings County will hold general membership meetings on April 17 and May 15, at 11 a.m. at the Fort Hamilton Post Chapel, building 129. Anyone interested in participating in the parade on May 28 should attend. Newcomers are welcome. Call (917) 873-1508 if you plan to attend. Now in its 145th year, it is the oldest continuously run Memorial Day Parade in the nation.

The theme for the 2012 parade is “Honoring Those Who Serve.” The 2012 Grand Marshal is Mike Long, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party and a United States Marine veteran. The deputy grand marshals are all veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

The reviewing officer is Col. Michael Gould, commander, U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton.

Chairman of the Memorial Day Parade Committee is Prisco DeAngelis. Veterans interested in marching in this year’s parade can call Chief of Staff Anthony Giovinco at (917) 664-8850 or (718) 748-4530 for more information, or visit www.brooklynmemorialdayparade.com.