Syosset VFW Hosts Annual Memorial Day Parade

SYOSSET, NY — The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Syosset will bring the community together again for its annual Memorial Day parade.

Post Commander Mitch Furman anticipates the crowd will grow in excess of 1,000 people for the solemn festivities, which start on Dawes Avenue.

"We end the parade with a brief ceremony at the Memorial Park," Furman told Patch. "It's the most important veteran activity that we can do to remember those that were lost while serving our country."

Furman served for the country in Vietnam and is the VFW Post 6394 commander for three years.

Part of the parade tradition includes several school bands performing, boy and girl scouts, fire departments, the American Legion and VFW will march as well.

Furman takes pride in seeing families along the parade route and the ceremony honoring the fallen members of the military.

"Last year, I specifically mentioned how great it was to see the parents bring their children and sometimes their grandchildren," he said. "There's a reason why we're here and let them learn about it."

While Memorial Day is the largest and most visible way to remember veterans, the VFW encourages those who are eligible and able to join one of the groups on Long Island.

"One of the hardest things, quite honestly, is getting membership, particularly the younger guys," Furman said.

Veterans in need can contact the Syosset VFW at (516) 921-7956.

Of course, many people use Memorial Day as a chance to buy something or hang out with family and friends, which is just fine with Furman.

"If a barbeque, or a sale, gets you to stop and think about what this day is about, then that's great," Furman said.