By Lauren Young
Staff Writer
Another patriotic Memorial Day parade and day-long celebration was hosted by the Village of Manlius on May 28 as hundreds turned out for the event, commemorated by morning bloody marys, live music and even a meet and greet with “Mrs. New York” herself.
Beginning the pre-parade celebration with 9 a.m. screwdrivers and bloody marys at the American Legion, the parade began at 11 a.m., featuring Manlius Legion and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S) members marching in honor of fallen troops as well as an array of local businesses, fire trucks, police departments and elected officials following along.
“It was actually one of the better celebrations since I’ve been here,” said Commander Richard Shaw, who has been commander of the Manlius Legion for about three years.
This year, there were nearly 20 Legion members marching in the parade, including new commander Nick Landers, an active duty solider, who marched with the VFW.
Landers will begin his leadership role on June 1, while Shaw will step down to first vice commander.
Marching in the parade was an “honor and a privilege” to remember the “fallen but not forgotten soldiers,” said Legion member and veteran Timothy I. McNally. “We take pride in honoring and serving veterans and their families, and paying tribute to those who have fallen,” he said.
U.S army veteran Patti Gomez-Michalkow, who was crowned “Mrs. New York,” also held an afternoon meet and greet, welcomed by a platoon of fans, families and veterans.
Gomez-Michalkow, 28, is a trained sharpshooter who served in the National Guard as a human intelligence collector from 2015 to 2018.
She continues to serve her community by raising money for Homes for Our Troops, volunteering at Clear Path for Veterans and raising awareness for other organizations like Saratoga Warhorse, Real Estate by Military, Patriot Sports Nutrition and Tip of the Speak Gear.
Crowned Mrs. Syracuse in 2017, Gomez-Michalkow was recently crowned “Mrs. New York 2018,” and will compete for the title of “Mrs. America” in Las Vegas this August.
Between 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., live music was performed by Irv Lyons Jr., a veteran who served as an artilleryman and recruiter until retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 2000, and Kimberly Rossi, owner of Indigo Productions.
While American Legion Post 141 currently has about 110 Legion, 50 Auxiliary and nearly 68 Sons members, Shaw said the legion is always looking to attract the young generations.
“We need young blood,” he said. “We’re always looking to recruit younger members, for the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons.”
A parking lot celebration honoring the 100-year anniversary for the American Legion and 99 years for the Manlius post is also slated for June 16 and will feature live music and refreshments.
For more information about American Legion Post 141, located on 109 Fayette Street, visit their Facebook page.
