Broad Channel Remembers Fallen Soldiers

Broad Channel Remembers Fallen Soldiers

By Daniel Offner

Color Guard gives a three-volley salute.Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, during which we pause to remember all those men and women who fought and died to protect our country. “That’s what Memorial Day is all about,” said Broad Channel American Legion Post 1404 Commander Denis McEneaney, a U.S. Army Veteran, drafted in 1964. “[It’s about] honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice.”

On May 29, a morning Mass was held at St. Virgilius Church, at16 Noel Road in Broad Channel, in honor of the local men and women who served in various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Family members and those close to the community [came to Mass]” said Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dan McIntyre. “It’s our way to respect the people that served before us.”

Around 1 p.m., people began to line up outside of All-American Bagels and Barista II for the start of the parade.

The Parade begins to march down Cross Bay Boulevard.The procession marched along Cross Bay Boulevard, down past Grassy Point Bar and Grill, toward West 17th Road Park, where it paused for a ceremony to commemorate the names of local veterans who fought and died in battle.

“This is a community of service that knows, not just how to give, but how to give back,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.

After the names were read aloud, a three volley salute was fired before the procession continued onward toward the memorial at Cross Bay Boulevard Park. Several wreaths were placed around the memorials, as the procession concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. “Today we remember the price [paid by] the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich. “It’s not about barbecue. Today, we remember them. Today, and this weekend.”

Broad Channel residents honor their fallen veterans with wreaths.Following the parade, another three round volley was fired by the color guard before everyone was invited back to the VFW Post No. 260 on Shad Creek Road for barbecue.

U.S. Army Veteran Bill Hothan reads off the list of names of the local men and women who gave the supreme sacrifice while serving in the military.
Broad Channel American Legion Post No. 1404 Commander Denis McEneany (left) with NYS Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
The Grillman Family watch and cheer as the parade marches by.
VFW Gold Star Mothers after the parade.
Kids take a ride on the back of the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department Engine No. 210.
Paradegoers Aubrey Dunn, Ryan Trainor, Emma Lobody, Conor Lobody, and Brian Keller wave their flags as the parade marches onward.
From Left: U.S.M.C. Veteran Jim Lutz, U.S. Army Veteran Gunther Halter, U.S. Army Veteran Ray York, U.S. Navy Veteran Gene Corcoran and U.S. Army Veteran Bill Hothan practice the three-volley salute.
Broad Channel Volies show off their uniforms.