Memorial Day is an important time to remember all those who bravely fight for our freedoms and those who we have lost while doing so. In May, I participated in two events on Staten Island to celebrate this national holiday; the Great Kills Parade and the Forest Avenue Parade.
I had been a guest in these parades before and it was nice to return, again. This year, I was joined by the current Miss Staten Island, Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen, Miss Richmond County, Miss Richmond County's Outstanding Teen, Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen, and Miss America's Princess.
I had been a guest in these parades before and it was nice to return, again. This year, I was joined by the current Miss Staten Island, Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen, Miss Richmond County, Miss Richmond County's Outstanding Teen, Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen, and Miss America's Princess.
The Great Kills Parade is right in my hometown. It is an intimate parade with a shorter route than most, but that is what makes it so special. Girl scout troops, veterans, and brave soldiers all joined in on the fun.
Though we had a brief period of rain prior to the parade's start, we didn't let it dampen our spirits!
I rode side-by-side with my "adopted teen," Alexa Moley. It was wonderful having her next to me the entire way. We've grown so close through this organization and I'm proud to know that I can act as an older sister to her.
My driver brought along his granddaughter, Loren, who was ecstatic to not only be driving in the parade, but also to be accompanied by a "princess." "All of my friends are jealous," she told me.
The Forest Avenue Parade is definitely a larger one, with crowds of spectators gathered throughout the route. I found a wide variety of participants in this parade; there wasn't only men and women in uniform. In fact, I even found Darth Vader!
A little girl and her brother joined me in the convertible. I have to say, they really knew how to work the crowd! They were naturals! There were many familiar faces as I rode down Forest Avenue, too. Though I was often mistaken for "Miss New York," it's not something I'm going to complain about ; ] Who knows - maybe one day that could be a reality!
I would like to specially thank all the men and women who fight or have fought for the freedoms we have, today. It is because of you that we live the way we do. We must remember you not just on Memorial Day, but every day. I hope that everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day as much as I did!