Plans Finalized For Memorial Day Celebration

Before firing up the grill or just kicking back and relaxing this holiday weekend, Harrison Veteran's Service Officer Ben DeFonce wants folks to take a few hours to celebrate what Memorial Day is really all about.

"It's so easy to say, let's go out and have a cookout, lets do this and lets do that, but you have got to remember if it wasn't for these veterans you wouldn't have anything," said DeFonce, while unveiling the Memorial Day program at a Town Board meeting last week. "It doesn't hurt for a couple of hours to support these guys, they look forward to seeing you on the streets and cheering for us—you're going to feel better."

Harrison's annual Memorial Day parade will begin Monday at 10 a.m. and stretch down Halstead Avenue, concluding in Ma Riis Park in front of town hall. Honored guests will include retired members of the United States Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines.

Representatives from the Harrison Police Department as well as Harrison, West Harrison and Purchase Fire Departments are also scheduled to attend.

"You'll see a lot of tears out of people's eyes, there are all these wonderful speeches that these veterans are going to give," DeFonce, a retired marine, said. "It's going to be a big day and hopefully you'll all enjoy it and have a feeling in your heart for all these veterans."

List of Honored Guests:

• Ben DeFonce - Veteran Service Officer
• Joan Walsh - Supervisor/Mayor
• Ret. Brig. Gen. S Baumgarten - U.S. Army (Ret.)
• Richard Bertoli - CMDR: Curtis Read VFW Post 3047
• John Zilembo - CMDR Lt. J.R. Grillo VFW Post 5463
• Joseph Mazzullo - CMDR: American Legions Carle Anderson 559
• Major Bruno Gaita - U.S. Air Force
• Master Chief Frank Robinson - U.S. Navy
• Anthony Marraccini - Harrison Police Chief
• Dino Del Signore - Downtown Harrison Fire Chief
• Steve Mancini - West Harrison Fire Chief
• Joe Brefere Jr. - Purchase Fire Chief

Monday's benediction will be read by Rev. Msgr. Francis McAree, Rebecca Haviland will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America.