As my wife and I stood at the corner of New Hyde Park Road and Lincoln Avenue watching the Memorial Day Parade, seeing our veterans marching in recognition of their fallen brothers (and in so accepting the honor they deserve as surviving Warriors) some interesting thought crossed my mind.
Along with the vets, there were some youth groups – Brownies, Cub Scouts and local organizations, matching proudly while carrying their banners.
Just as a Cub Scout troop was turning left from New Hyde Park Road onto Lincoln Avenue, a young boy, perhaps a little too young to be a Cub Scout, left his mom’s side and ran to (I assume) his dad, and maybe an older brother to become part of the parade.
He hugged and was hugged by his dad and as the young fellow looked back at his smiling mother, the look of joy and pride on his face would do justice to any Norman Rockwell painting trying to depict the essence of America.
Then came the marching bands, who were actually quite good and the ethnic diversity of their members reminded me that here is the future of America.
These young men and women, performing in celebration of the memory of the warriors who gave their lives in part so that all people regardless of ethnicity or religion have the opportunity to come together as Americans and as one, lead our country into the future.
Lastly, the procession of the New Hyde Park Fire Department vehicles and personnel ignited in me (couldn’t resist) the very pleasing sense of “Small Town Pride” where you are proud to live in a place where people are willing to volunteer and make personal sacrifices for the good of the community.
To all involved, I say Thank you and well done!
Jack Benigno
New Hyde Park
