Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal: Art Wade

Arthur ("Art") Wade, a member of the American Legion Post 509 for more than 20 years, was selected by the group to lead the 2012 Memorial Day parade.

Wade enlisted in the military in 1950. He graduated from military police school and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1954 after serving as a military police desk sargeant in France. He also served in Anchorage, Fort Benning, Ga. and Fort Ord, Calif.

Wade is very grateful to the government for "giving me the opportunity of going to college" through the GI bill. He attended New England College in New Hampshire and worked for the New York City Board of Education for nearly 30 years as both a history teacher and then in special education. Wade served for 25 years at Elmhurst General Hospital, eventually becoming Special Education Coordinator, until his retirement.

Wade considers himself to be "very comfortable with other veterans" and said that he has "never stopped serving his country."

Of his American Legion members, Wade said, "the fellows are just terrific. I can't say enough about them."

The grandfather of five and great grandfather of one is looking forward to some of his grandchildren cheering him on as he leads the parade this year.