Arthur H. Clune American Legion Post 1533 will host its 75th Annual Memorial Day Parade in Mastic Beach on Monday, May 26 at noon—a milestone moment in the community’s long-standing tradition of honoring American service members. At the heart of the ceremony is this year’s Grand Marshal, Michael Talbot, a Vietnam War combat veteran and longtime village resident.
Talbot, who served with the Army in-country during the Vietnam War, has been a dedicated member of the Legion for many years. He’ll lead a parade that has grown in both size and significance, thanks to the efforts of Post 1533, its commander, and the broader Mastic Beach community.
“This year’s parade will be longer and better attended than usual,” said Commander Kenn Brown. “We’ve got more people involved, including a band from William Floyd High School, fire departments, ambulance companies, scouts, youth baseball players, car clubs, and of course, our veterans marching.”
The parade will begin at the Five Corners along Neighborhood Road with a memorial service to honor fallen service members. It will then proceed to the Mastic Beach firehouse for a special ceremony requested by the department’s senior members and finally conclude at the Legion itself. These services are meant to remind all in attendance of the deeper meaning behind Memorial Day.
“This isn’t just a day off—it’s a day to remember all those who gave their lives so we can live freely,” Brown said. “It’s about community, remembrance, and gratitude.”
Legion Member Robert A. Miller, Jr., agrees. “Memorial Day has been set aside to honor those Patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s great to see the community participating in the event and the crowds that line the parade route every year. I’m glad to see more and more people getting involved now that we are in the 75th year.” Miller’s father, Robert Arthur Miller, served in the Korean War and re-enlisted to fight in Vietnam. He was killed in action in 1967.
The Legion is looking to recreate a historic photograph from the 1950 parade—also held on May 26—showing veterans rounding the corner near the Post. “We’ve got that photo enlarged and on display,” Brown said. “We plan to get a modern shot to match.”
The parade will also feature vintage military Jeeps from the 1950s and ’60s, one of which will be driven by Robert Miller, a former mayor of Mastic Beach. For Commander Brown, who has led Post 1533 through years of continued outreach, the event is more than just a parade—it’s a testament to the resilience of the local veteran community and its enduring bond with the community.