Great Kills Memorial Day Parade

Gray skies didn't have a chance against the red, white and blue at the Great Kills Memorial Day Parade in Staten Island. I made my parade debut as Miss Liberty, and how appropriate to be participating in a parade that honors our war heroes who gave their lives for this country. This marks my third year participating in this parade (previously as Miss Staten Island 2009 and Miss Richmond County 2010). Fittingly held on Armed Forces Day, the parade kicks off each year before the official Memorial Day holiday. The Staten Island community filled the streets of Great Kills with the sounds of high school bands, Girl and Boy Scouts, cheerleaders, dancers, bag pipes & drums, and FDNY & NYPD companies. You could feel the ubiquitous patriotism on the parade root. Being a part of this parade reminds me of how supportive the Staten Island community truly is; there is no greater impact that the motivation of your hometown.