Mastic Beach residents turned out in full force to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the Memorial Day Parade, hosted by Arthur H. Clune American Legion Post 1533. The 75th annual event honored fallen service members and paid tribute to generations of veterans with one of the largest and most spirited parades the village has seen in years.
Leading the parade as Grand Marshals were Michael Talbot and William Mims, both Vietnam War veterans. They marched at the head of a robust procession that featured the Mastic Beach Fire Department, Ambulance Company, and other local departments, William Floyd Pep Band and Honor Society, ROTC, Paws of War, Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, Tri-Hamlet Sports Club, scouts, William Floyd Diner, Shinnecock Nation, New Hope Church, Community Counseling, Sons and Daughters of Italy, to name a few.
“This year’s turnout exceeded expectations,” said Post Commander Kenn Brown. “It shows how much this community values its veterans and remembers what this day is truly about.”
The parade began at the Five Corners on Neighborhood Road with a solemn memorial service. It paused at the Mastic Beach Fire Department for a ceremony honoring past members before concluding at the Legion, where commemorative wreaths were placed. Making presentations were Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Senator Dean Murray, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Judge Edward Hennessey, and staff from Assemblyman Joe DeStefano’s office.
As Robert A. Miller, Jr. noted, “It’s not just a tradition—it’s our responsibility.”