Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro invites City’s Gulf War-era Vets to join Staten Island Memorial Day Parade, May 25
Those who served between August 2, 1990 through present can march together
STATEN ISLAND, NY – Borough President James P. Molinaro is extending a City-wide invitation to combat and non-combat veterans of the Gulf War-era to join him in en masse at Staten Island’s 90th Annual Memorial Day Parade. “Veterans who served on active duty anywhere around the globe, including Stateside between August 2, 1990 and today are encouraged to grab their Desert Camos, Class A’s, OD fatigues or other uniforms and march with us as a group at this year’s parade,” Molinaro said.
“Unlike other war-eras such as the Vietnam-era, the Korean-era and the WWII-era, today’s veterans are often described by the individual military operation. This would include those who served during Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, to name a few. I believe that it is just as important for today’s vets to have an identity comparable to their counterparts from other wars and that efforts must be made to recognize all for their service to our Nation during these difficult times,” the Borough President said.
“Few would know it, but the Gulf War-era now exceeds the length of the Vietnam-era and is still underway. According to Federal definitions, the Vietnam-era began on February 28, 1961 and continued until May 7, 1975 – a period of more than 14 years (Public Law 104-275). In comparison, the Gulf War-era began on August 2, 1990 with the signing of Public Law 102-25 and has lasted through the present, for a total of almost 19 years to date,” Molinaro added.
Veterans interested in marching May 25 should form up 11:00AM at the Red, White & Blue Float located near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Hart Boulevard.
Staten Island’s 90th Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25 with a 12:00 p.m. step-off at the corner of Forest Avenue and Hart Boulevard in Silver Lake, Staten Island. The reviewing stand will be located towards the end of the route near Forest Avenue Shopper’s Town (near Hamlin Street). This year’s Grand Marshall is retired US Marine Corps Sgt. Major Paul W. Silverson, who served over 30 years with tours in Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Somalia and other parts of the Globe.
“The parade is especially significant this year, as we remember those who have lost their lives or have suffered injury in Iraq and Afghanistan and all of the brave men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces in an effort to defeat terrorism. I look forward to seeing many of our most recent veterans, especially those who served in the combat zones, or in supporting roles to the troops to come on down and be recognized,” Borough President Molinaro concluded.
May 20, 2009