Memorial Day in Ocean Beach
By David Crohn

The summer season officially began in Ocean Beach on a solemn note last Sunday, May 28, with the village’s annual Memorial Day Parade.

At just past 11 a.m., local veterans of foreign wars—who have served in Vietnam, Korea, Europe and elsewhere—lined up behind members of the Brentwood American Legion and the US Coast Guard.

The procession began at the Fire House on Bayberry and Ocean Walk, made its way north, went west around the village green and ended with a ceremony on the village green under a clear sky.

Outgoing Mayor Natalie Roberts led the proceedings.

“The village should be a showcase of quality-of-life living, of good and responsible government; of loving and caring for our friends and neighbors, of giving to our community, of setting a shining example of social integrity,” she said, adding, “Let the spirit of Memorial Day guide us all year long.

Outgoing Justice Joe Russell took the podium and reflected on his experiences and those of his fellow veterans.

“Most of my friends went into [World War II],” Russell, who graduated from high school in 1943, said. “Many died. Some survived. Every one of you in some way have continued in the life of someone else simply by what you did.”

On a lighter note, he also joked that he was still able to fit into the original blue Navy uniform issued to him 62 years ago—just as he did last year.

After Russell’s speech the national anthem was sung by 10-year-old Alessandra Guercio for the second year in a row. The Brooklyn girl was voted one of America’s Most Talented Kids several years ago.