Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along Northern Boulevard on Monday, May 26, 2025, for the 98th annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade. QNS reported that the event is one of the nation's longest-running continuous Memorial Day commemorations.
The parade stepped off at 2 p.m. from Jayson Avenue and Northern Boulevard, continuing a rain-or-shine tradition that dates to 1927. Marchers included veterans, active-duty service members, civic organizations, student bands, and elected officials.
Morning ceremonies
According to QNS (published May 27, 2025), the day began with an interfaith memorial service at St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston. A wreath-laying ceremony followed at Monument Park in the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy schoolyard. Veterans were then honored with a continental-style breakfast at Father Smith Hall before parade preparations began.
2025 honorees
James Hendon, a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans' Services, served as Grand Marshal. Hendon deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his military career.
William Bart was named Man of the Year. Celeste Beccalori, a Douglaston resident with a background in aviation and community outreach, was honored as Woman of the Year. The Community Service Award went to Harry Dietrich, who has served with the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps since 1970.
Parade Marshals included World War II Navy veteran William Isaacson, Vietnam veteran Brian Levings, and Vietnam Marine veteran Carlos Simonetti.
Along the route
Spectators lined the sidewalks with American flags. The procession included public school students, Scouts, ROTC units, and representatives from religious, cultural, and neighborhood groups. The route concluded near Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy, where volunteers offered refreshments, including the parade's traditional hot dogs.
The parade is organized by the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association in partnership with American Legion Post #103. Learn more on our Parade Day Info page or support the parade.