GLEN COVE, NY — The City of Glen Cove's Memorial Day observances have been announced, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the U.S.
Veteran Major Fred R. Nielsen, USMC (Ret.), will serve as Grand Marshal of this year's Memorial Day Parade. The events will take place on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, rain or shine.
The City has chosen to honor the life and sacrifice of John "Jack" Niles McCarthy, who was killed in action on May 24, 1969, at just 20 years old. McCarthy enlisted in February 1969 and was a Specialist Four in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Vietnam War. McCarthy was a Glen Cove resident and served as an Infantry Indirect Fire Crewman with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade.
McCarthy was killed by hostile small-arms fire in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. He was awarded many honors for his service, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said that Memorial Day is a time for the community to gather and remember those who gave everything for our freedom.
"We honor their sacrifice, we stand with their families, and we remain deeply grateful for the courage of all who have served," she said.
The events are as follows:
Military Banner Ceremony at Morgan Park Parking Lot on Sunday, May 24 at 11:30 p.m. & a Wreath Laying afterwards.
A wreath-laying at the following locations:
Memorial Day Ceremony at Monument Park (in front of First Presbyterian Church) on Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, at 12 p.m.
The parade will begin at Cottage Row and Forest Avenue and proceeds through downtown Glen Cove.
To register to participate in the parade can be found online. For questions, folks can email GCMemorialDayParade@gmail.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Glen Cove, NY Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.