Crowds gather for 2024 Albany Memorial Day Parade
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — From every corner and chasm of the Capital Region, people came to Downtown Albany to commemorate the true meaning of Memorial Day. Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Marchers or onlookers, young or old, carrying balloons or flags — someway, somehow, the people of Albany showed up for Veterans. George LaMora served in Vietnam and stepped up to lead the festivities.
“Between my brother and sister (veterans), and my family, they encouraged me to do it because of all we do, and I do, for veterans," said LaMora.
The Grand Marshall is also a grandfather to proud 9-year-old cousins Amelia and Luna.
“I never thought that this would ever happen,” said Amelia. “And he does everything for Veterans,” Luna added.
On the hot holiday morning, Vietnam-era Marine Michael Townsend remembers a time of cold reception.
“We have a lot more support now than we used to years ago” Townsend recalled. “I walked down the street a lot of times now, people say thank you for your service, appreciate you — and that makes us feel good," Townsend told NEWS10.
Colonie's Stephen Garry served in the Marines during Lebanon and Grenada. He issued a call to younger service members.
"Veterans from the...war on terrorism [need] to step in to fill our ranks. VFW, the American Legion Post, Marine Corps League, they're all suffering for membership" Garry implored.
The pulse of marchers and the beat of drums were alive on Washington Avenue.
“It felt pretty good that we were playing for people who served for us," said Trustin Toliver,15, of the Christian Brothers Academy Marching Band.
Another marching band, The Albany Marching Falcons, will be taking a special trip to Normandy on June 4th, for what may be the last commemoration of D-Day with World War II veterans in attendance.
“If we forget to listen to history taught us then we are destined to repeat them," said Band Director Brian Cady. "So, you know it's my hope, that they take what they've learned from this trip and this event and pass it on to maybe their own kids" Mr.Cady continued.