The Manhasset American Legion Post 304, celebrating it's 80th Anniversary and in remembrance of William A. Baxter and all the veterans who served this country, started the weekend on Saturday by flagging the Veterans' graves at Pinelawn National Cemetery. The Legionnaires met Boy Scouts of Troop 97 and their parents, and with great respect and reverence placed flags in front of each veteran's grave. Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Legionnaires and the Auxiliary attended an ecumenical Memorial Church Service at the Community Reformed Church. The service was conducted by Reverend Stuart Clark for the congregation and approximately 50 legionnaires and members of the auxiliary.

Under clear, bright, blue skies with a crisp breeze, the Memorial Day parade began promptly at 10 a.m. at Plandome Road and Plandome Court South. Led by the U. S. Army 319th Statue of Liberty Band directed by CWO Stephen Joseph, the Bandmaster, the military band was escorted by the Nassau County Police Department Motorcycle Unit. Both the flags and the banner were smartly held by the Sons of the American Legion. The Manhasset Post Legionnaires and the Auxiliary were followed by antique vehicles carrying the Poppy Queen and Veterans unable to march. Long columns of Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts, other childrens' groups, community service groups, and the two local fire departments all preceded the parade finale - the long line of fire trucks and equipment. Marching down Plandome Road, honoring and placing wreaths at the WWI Memorial at the Manhasset Station and at the Gold Star Memorial at the Mary Jane Davis Green Park, the parade turned onto Memorial Place.

At Memorial Field, Anthony W. Buzzitta, post commander, opened the ceremonies. Mrs. Catherine Lau, accompanied by the Manhasset High School Band under the direction of Randy Knudsen, led the crowd in singing the National Anthem. Rabbi Todd Chizner, Temple Judea, gave the invocation reminding everyone that we must remember those who have departed from us, and on this day in particular, those who died defending our freedom, and those who will forever bear injuries in defense of our country. This year's Poppy Queen, Miss Lauren Nevitt of Manhasset High School, was escorted to the platform, after which a group of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies presented floral tributes. Post 304 Chaplain James R. Russell read the roll of the honored dead, accompanied by drummer Emmett O'Hanlon of the Manhasset High School Band. Since last Memorial Day, 24 veterans from the community have passed away. William Cybriwsky and Christopher Chin of the Manhasset High School Band, together with SFC Gregory Hall and SFC Kenneth Barnes of the 319th Statue of Liberty Band, then played Taps.

Vice Commander James T. Brooks presented school awards to Marc-Andrew Ardito of Manhasset High School and Paul Marino of St. Mary's College Preparatory High School. He also presented the Boy's State awards to: David Knowles and Joseph Sullivan of Manhasset High School; Joseph Calderone and Michael Sinclair of Manhasset Boy Scout Troop No. 97; and Matt Savage of Manhasset Boy Scout Troop No. 71.

American Legion Auxiliary President Doris Bezkor presented the school awards to Victoria Belinsky of Manhasset High School and Tara Thomas of Saint Mary's College Preparatory High School. She presented the Girl's State Award to Poppy Queen Lauren Nevitt of Manhasset High School.

Commander Buzzitta spoke briefly of the 80th year anniversary of the Post, of honoring the town's deceased veterans, the loss to the community and to the Legion of William A. Baxter who will be greatly missed and to remember those still in "Harm's Way." Reverend James E. Only of the Congregational Church of Manhasset gave the Benediction. The ceremonies ended with the singing of God Bless America, led by Catherine Lau.