Red, White and Blue For Bayport

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Written by Danielle Golden Giglio

As seen on Patch.com

The rain cleared just in time for the residents of Bayport to line Middle Road for the Memorial Day Parade.  They came by foot, bike and even wagons, all waving flags dressed in red, white and blue.  

The parade was short, but goes long on patriotism. The crowd cheered and clapped as the marchers went by - Bayport Fire Department, Junior Fire Department, Ladies Axillary, Community Ambulance, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other Bayport groups.  The parade ended at Bayport Memorial Park for a small ceremony which included laying of the wreaths, gun salute and singing of the National Anthem.

Nine year old Emily Grieco was waving an American Flag and watching the parade with her mom.  She said "The parade is good because I watch my dad march with the Bayport Fire Department."

Just moving into town, Mike Maiorano brought his family to the their first Bayport Memorial Day Parade. "We are very excited to see the parade and the ceremony," he said.

Standing along the parade route was lifelong Bayport resident Scott McKendrick.  He is Command Master Chief of the Navy Operational Support Center of Long Island. 

"I have been coming here since I was little kid.  I try to come every year to pay my respect," he said. "It's about our brothers and sisters that have passed on, especially the ones lost in combat." 

Bayport Cub Scout Pack Master Craig Clare marched with a group of his scouts and said about the parade,  "It's great that our boys showed up to honor our heroes."

Skyler Wilde marches every year with the Bayport Junior Fire Department.  He feels the parade is important, "To honor people that have died in wars to keep us safe."

Six year old Ava Saper wowed the crowd when she sang the National Anthem.  She said,  "I love to sing.  My papa is in the fire department and asked if I could do it.  I was a little bit nervous."

Bayport Fire Department Chief Paul Bachek said about the parade and ceremony. "We do it to honor the veterans that have served in the past and currently serving.  It's a wonderful opportunity to give tribute to them. Bayport is small, but with a lot of dedicated people."