Middle Village hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade to honor those who have served the nation on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Organized by the Queens Veterans Parade Committee, the parade began on 78th Street and made its way along Metropolitan Avenue.
The march finished with a ceremony at Christ the King Regional High School, where elected officials could honor all those who have served and sacrificed.
This year’s grand marshal was Alphonse J. Ranni. The Brooklyn-born vet served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron 5th Cavalry 9th Infantry Division.
He participated in the Battle of Hue City and A Shau Valley as well as numerous Recon and security missions OPCON with the 101st Airborne and the 3rd Marine Brigade.
Ranni was awarded two Bronze Star medals, two Purple Hearts, two presidential unit citations, a Combat Infantry Badge and several Army Commendation medals for his service during his tour. He was Honorably Discharged and obtained the rank of Specialist 5th Class (E-5).
After returning to civilian life, Ranni worked various jobs in the accounting field. However, 25 years ago he partnered with his brother to open a U.S. Customs Bonded Freight Station at JFK. The 76-year-old moved to Queens as a young child and still resides there. He is now retired and spends his time volunteering with community service.
At the parade, The Kiwanis Club of Glendale were presented with The Anthony Pace Humanitarian Award 2024. The club has over 80 members and is celebrating their 72nd year of service to the community.
They host monthly Food Drives to collect groceries for local food pantries that serve the area. The club also awards over $10,000 each year in scholarships to children entering high school and college. Organizations that benefit from their generosity include the 104th Precinct Community Council, FDNY Ladder 135/ Engine 286, Catholic Youth Organization sports programs, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Veteran Posts.
Sunday’s parade was overseen and run smoothly by the NYPD 104th Precinct. They kept the area safe while clearing out all vehicles on Metropolitan Avenue for the march to take place.
The NYPD Police Band was among the groups marching in the parade. Maspeth Federal Savings Bank had its own float honoring the veterans.
The Middle Village Cub Scout Pack 106 followed down the street with the Sunnyside Drum Corps and Sacred Heart Glendale also making an appearance.
There was no shortage of classic cars and American flags as the community came out to give the nation’s veterans a fitting tribute.
