Thousands of residents and visitors gathered along Northern Boulevard on Monday afternoon for the 98th annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, 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 under overcast skies, continuing its “rain or shine” tradition that dates back to 1927. The event featured veterans, active-duty service members, civic organizations, student bands and elected officials, all marching to honor the memory of U.S. military personnel who died in service to the country.
The day began with an interfaith memorial service at St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony 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 got underway.
James Hendon, a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and the current Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, served as the 2025 Grand Marshal. Hendon, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his military career, leads efforts in New York City to support veterans and their families. He previously served as Director of NYU’s Veterans Future Lab and has held executive roles in both the public and private sectors.
This year’s parade also recognized several community members for their contributions to public service and veteran advocacy. William Bart, a longtime volunteer and supporter of veterans’ initiatives in northeast Queens, 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 was presented to Harry Dietrich, who has served with the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps since 1970 and continues to mentor new EMTs and first responders.
Among the 2025 Parade Marshals were three veterans with decades of service. William Isaacson, a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and former Bayside High School teacher and department chair, joined fellow honorees Brian Levings, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime volunteer with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, and Carlos Simonetti, a Vietnam War Marine veteran who later held senior roles in the New York State court system.
Local officials assembled at designated staging areas along Northern Boulevard before joining the procession. Marching divisions included public school students, Scouts, ROTC units and representatives from religious, cultural, and neighborhood groups.
Spectators lined the sidewalks with American flags, many stopping to shake the hands of veterans as they passed by.
The parade route concluded near Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy, where local merchants and volunteers offered free refreshments, including the event’s traditional hot dogs, to attendees.
Photos by Ramy Mahmoud
Organized by the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association in partnership with American Legion Post #103, the event remains a cornerstone of Memorial Day observances in Queens. The association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts tax-deductible donations to support the annual parade and its year-round educational initiatives. Contributions help cover logistical costs, veterans’ transportation, student contests, and other community outreach efforts tied to honoring military service. Donations can be mailed to the association at c/o American Legion Post #103, 42-28 235th St., Douglaston, NY 11363, or made by contacting donate@LNDMemorialDay.org.
