On Monday, May 29, 2023, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. were among the elected officials who helped lead the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, according to the Queens Gazette (published May 31, 2023).
Route and sponsors
The Queens Gazette reported that each year since 1927, hundreds of marchers walk along Northern Boulevard from Jayson Avenue in Great Neck through Little Neck and Douglaston. American Legion Post 103, Queens sponsored the parade, which the article described as the largest Memorial Day parade in the nation for many observers.
Refreshments at the end of the route in the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy schoolyard included hot dogs, bagels, soft ice cream, and bottled water for participants.
Grand Marshal and marshals
Grand Marshal Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan assumed command of the United States Merchant Marine Academy on December 8, 2022. The Queens Gazette noted she was the first woman in Academy history to hold that role. Parade Marshals MSG (Ret.) Lawrence Badia and Richard Weinberg, a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army, also marched.
Who attended
Among those present were State Senator John Liu, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott.
Senator Liu told the Gazette: "This is the biggest event on Memorial Day throughout the country. It is about the men and women who risked their lives for this country and lost their lives in defense of the freedom of our democracy. Started in 1927 this parade will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary."
For information about current honorees, visit our Honorees page.