Staten Island Memorial Day Parade

Today marked the 91st annual Memorial Day Parade in West Brighton, Staten Island. I wanted to savor the holiday by honoring not only those who served this country, past and present, but to honor my Uncle Aldo, who served in the United States Army during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge, and Grandfather, John Giebelhaus, who served in the United States Navy during World War II.

My participation in the parade gave me the opportunity to say thank you to the service men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedom. Freedom is a privilege; it is protected by the men and women in uniform, and it is kept alive by the veterans. This day is about the men and women who put themselves in harm's way for this country. Thank you to all our war heroes who demonstrate the true meaning of patriotism.

Jennifer Scacco, Miss Staten Island 2010, Jordan Kolwalski, Miss Liberty's Outstanding Teen 2010, and Kara Kowalski, Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2009

The Marines

The Navy

Rolling Thunder, a group of veterns devoted to POW-MIA issues