Peace Action Marches In The Staten Island Memorial Day Parade
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — May 26, 2008 — Since 1919, not long after the World War I armistice on November 11, 1918, the Staten Island community and its veterans have marched down Forest Avenue in a Memorial Day parade to remember those who have died in war. So, it was fitting that members and friends of Peace Action of Staten Island, who believe in finding alternatives to war and the death and destruction it causes, joined with the veterans, school groups, and elected officials, in commemorating the war dead.
Peace Action members in bright blue sapphire t-shirts with a dove in front and “No Nukes! No War!” in back grouped behind their big blue “Peace Action of Staten Island” banner as they headed from Hart Boulevard towards Forest Avenue Shoppers Town in Port Richmond. In front of the banner, Jay Bocchicchio and Eileen Bardel held up posters “Support the Troops with a New GI Bill” to bring attention to the call for expanded education benefits for returning Iraq War veterans. Tom Lawrence held another sign in back of the banner that read “Support the Troops, Bring Them Home!”
Peace Action Staten Island
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
Parade goers along the route ranged from elderly vets in lawn chairs to tiny children sitting along the curb waving American flags. The Peace Action contingent recognized some of their neighbors, friends and co-workers along the way. Near the start, Del Eberhardt sat in his wheelchair alongside his wife Mary, cheering the group along. Some viewers did not know what to make of the message of peace in a Memorial Day parade but looked on quietly. Many on the sidelines flashed peace signs and some cheered. One woman, Carol, came up to the marchers to thank them for all their work for peace. A vet yelled from the sidelines in support of the new G.I. Bill.
Two and a half miles later, at the end of the route, the Master of Ceremonies on the reviewing stand announced “Peace Action of Staten Island!” and even Rep. Vito Fossella gave a little clap as the group passed by, feeling good that they were successful in sending out their message, “Peace is Patriotic.”
