Thank you for your service!
That was the message hundreds of Middle Village residents delivered in cheering on those who marched during the Queens Veterans Day Parade along Metropolitan Avenue on Sunday afternoon.
The annual march pays tribute to all those who served in the Armed Forces. The honorees included Gold Star Mother Yolanda David; fallen Marine Corporal Julian Ramon of Flushing, who died while on a tour of duty in Iraq; and World War II veterans Gary “Casper” Inzerillo from Howard Beach and Luke Gasparre from Astoria.
A host of elected officials, community groups and veterans posts also participated in the parade along Metropolitan Avenue between 80th Street and Christ the King Regional High School, where the festivities concluded with a ceremony.
Spectators, many of whom proudly flew American flags, enjoyed music provided by marching bands from the Coastal Patrols Cadet Corps of Ridgewood, Christ the King Regional High School, the New York Grenadiers Cadet Corps, and the New York Corrections Department Pipes and Drums Band.
Military and antique vehicles from the East Coast Car Association also rolled along the parade route. The 104th Precinct and the 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol escorted the participants.
The parade took place five days before the national observance of Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11.
