The Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade, traditionally held on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day, this year took place on May 30, the date originally designated as Memorial Day by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and first observed on May, 30 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. The Monday immediately following Memorial Day was designated a national holiday by Congressional fiat in 1971.

Some 20 groups with marchers numbering in the thousands, according to parade officials, stepped off at noon from American Legion Continental Post 1424 at 107-15 Metropolitan Ave. between Ascan Avenue and 74th Drive and wended their way down the thoroughfare to Remsen Park. Crowds of spectators, some waving American flags, lined sidewalks on both sides of the street and cheered the marchers on.

Several local community leaders and elected officials marched in the parade. Among those marching were City Councilmember Karen Koslowitz, Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi and state Senator Joseph Addabbo. City Councilmember Peter Koo and state Senator Toby Ann Stavisky were also among those participating.