Hewlett-Woodmere to Host First Memorial Day Parade in 3 Years

For the first time in three years, the Hewlett-Woodmere community will host a Memorial Day parade. Jamie Wysocki, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, provided the following information about this Monday’s event.

What time will the parade start?

The parade assembly for all participants will be 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Woodmere Fire Department. The parade will start at exactly 9:30 a.m.

What is the parade route?

The parade will start traveling south on Irving Place (Woodmere Fire Dept), turn onto Broadway heading towards Hewlett and end on Everit Street at Hewlett High School where we will have refreshments, a poetry contest, some guest speakers and musical entertainment.

Who is marching/participating in the parade?

To date, the participants are: Hewlett High School Marching Band, Hewlett High School YLF, Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education, Disabled American Veterans, both Woodmere and Hewlett fire departments, Hewlett-Woodmere School District clubs, cheerleaders, Knights of Columbus, Dance Express, the New York Equestrian Center, Nassau County Auxiliary Police and of course the Hewlett Woodmere Business Association.

Please note that the parade committee has sent emails and letters to many groups in the community and still have not gotten responses from some, so if they are still interested in participating they may contact me at 516-295-2800.

This is Hewlett-Woodmere's first Memorial Day parade in three years, is that correct?

Yes, the community has not been successful in the past few years organizing a parade but things have changed drastically due to the collaboration of the HWBA, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District, Hewlett and Woodmere fire departments, Nassau County Police & Auxiliary Police Departments (Fourth Precinct), Nassau County executive offices and the Town of Hempstead.

What does it feel like for you to have this parade return to your community?

I can say that I feel a sense of accomplishment. When I'm asked by a potential new business association member, ‘What can the HWBA do for me?’ or ‘What exactly does the HWBA do?’ I am now able to respond with a list of completed projects and events along with mentioning the many supportive organizations that have the same goal as I do … continue to improve our Hewlett-Woodmere community and make our neighborhoods the most desirable place to live, shop and play!

What are your hopes for the parade?

Bringing back the meaning of "Memorial Day" is the main focus. We would like to honor all who have served our country whether they are still with us or not. The Hewlett-Woodmere Parade Committee has big dreams for what our parade will one day be. For now, we're just hoping for a sunny day and lots of spectators lining Broadway on Monday, May 27.