Christian Spencer
At the American Legion Continental Post 1424, the annual Memorial Day Banquet and Parade Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 23, set the stage for honorees and a celebration of patriotism ahead of the Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade.
The heartfelt gathering brought together veterans, law enforcement, community leaders, students, and families who dined inside the historic post building on Metropolitan Avenue ahead of Sunday’s parade.
As the Queens Ledger previously reported, it was announced that Grand Marshals—community leader Ed Wong and U.S. Air Force veteran Bernadette Vermersch—would be featured at this year’s parade.
“Serving in the Air Force was a defining chapter in my life,” Vermersch said. “To be recognized by my own community is truly humbling.”
Joining them are NYPD Officer Christopher DeSantis of the 112th Precinct and Kathy Reddy, nursing director at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital.
All four individuals received awards for the occasion.
“I’m here for the people of Forest Hills every day, and this award reminds me why I put on the badge,” DeSantis said. “I share this with my colleagues who do the work with heart and courage.”
“Nursing is about care, compassion, and resilience,” Kathy said. “The last few years have tested us, but this community’s support has never wavered.”
In addition to honoring those selected for this year’s march, the celebration also marked a farewell to Commander Michael Arcati, whose term as commander of the post is coming to a close, and a welcome to a newly campaigned commander who ran unopposed.
“This is my last parade as commander of the post,”Arcati said. “This will be my last official act this week, and my wife gave me permission to go out with a bang. We’ve been working on this since February. This community, this post, these people—we’ve built something special.”
Arcati’s tenure as commander—one that began during the pandemic—helped transform the American Legion from an almost condemned bar into a growing and vibrant hangout for those who had served.
Taking over as commander of the post is Patrick Conley, who was serving as vice commander before being elected to lead earlier this month.
“We are sad to see him go,” said Conley of Arcati. “He’s done a terrific job turning the post around. But he’s not going far.”
When asked how he would run as the new commander of the post, Conley said he would continue the momentum Arcati spearheaded in his revitalization efforts.
The banquet served a packed attendance of between 40 and 50 people, an increase from went
Arcati first led with five people, he claims.
Much of the growth in the American Legion’s presence is accredited to its donors, notably the Forest Hills Asian Association, which helped bring much attention to the ill-forgotten parade and provided at least $100 or more in funding.
There were vital contributions from numerous volunteers and sponsors who sustain the parade year after year.
Michael Reddy, Kathy’s husband and last year’s Civilian Grand Marshal, continues to coordinate parade marchers.
Longtime donors Herb and Heidi Chain, who Mrs. Chain serves as a liaison between the New York Police Department and residents, and were also thanked for their steadfast support.
Commander Arcati reminded everyone that each bus in the parade costs $1,000 and pointed out that the event is fully privately funded and reliant on the generosity of the community.
Another contributing factor to the American Legion’s success in patriotism throughout NYC is seeing a visible embrace as the number of Memorial Day parades has been getting more spotlight and revived since COVID-19.
“This evening is about more than awards. It’s about celebrating the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice that defines us. Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend,” Arcati said.
Near the end of the celebration, a deeply symbolic gesture was made to recognize those who could not be present. The missing man table was described with poignant clarity:
“A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt symbolizes the countless tears of families. The inverted glass—they cannot toast with us tonight. The chair is empty—they are not here. The candle is the light of hope that lives in our hearts.”
The room held three solemn silences to honor those still missing in action.
