Ward Acres in New Rochelle transformed into a garden of Red, White and Blue while preparations are underway for the largest Memorial Day Parade in Westchester County. The floats are being refurbished and cleaned up by crews of dedicated patriotic volunteers.
The 5th Annual Memorial Day Parade in New Rochelle is organized by the UVMPA (United Veteran Memorial and Patriotic Association) in cooperation with the City of New Rochelle. This year’s parade is being sponsored by Monroe College, New Rochelle Chevrolet and Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester. This year’s Parade is being dedicated to the Veterans of the War on Terrorism.
Every year the floats are carefully taken care of by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce by way of Charles McLaughlin and family. Charlie is a well known and liked figure in the community as well as a talented local photographer. Year after year his collaboration with the veterans and volunteers accomplishes decorating, maintaining and transporting all of the floats to Memorial Plaza where the best parade in the area stages. Nick Williams, father of NRFD Nick Williams took time out of his busy schedule to lend a hand with other volunteers like John D’Alois at Ward Acres this weekend. Parade coordinator & Marine Corps veteran Peter Parente, and Peter Jr., along with Jim Murphy (Vietnam Veteran from Post 8) and Ralph Edwards of Larchmont spent a good portion of the day tightening up, prepping and decorating the floats. Peter Parente stated “If it wasn’t for the effort from so many in the community, New Rochelle would never be able to show it’s appreciation to our troops”.
On Monday, May 28th 2012 at 10:30am Memorial Plaza will host a beautiful ceremony followed by the spectacular parade into Hudson Park where the day will just begin. The after event consists of a free concert in the park and BBQ prepared by AJ Burgers and Pronto Pizza & Trattoria, both assets to the food chain in New Rochelle and located on North Avenue. A special menu will be prepared for our military guest by the newly opened Beach Bar at Hudson Park Beach. Generous donations have also been made from Stop&Shop, Shop Rite, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Pepsi-Co. and Brian Macmenamin’s Club Car in Mamaroneck.
Be sure to put the date on your calendar and don’t miss an opportunity to show your patriotism, pride and gratitude to all those who sacrifice for our freedom. Memorial Day is a day to remember and New Rochelle knows how to show it’s true colors when it needs to the most.
Photo credit JenParente