A group of Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) exchange visitors took part in the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade honoring the fallen heroes who served their country in times of war.
The parade commenced at 2:00 pm, and over the course of an hour and a half, all the participating groups marched along the route in eastern Queens. Beforehand, participants ate a satisfying group lunch in Flushing before riding together to the parade route.
"It is a different experience because it is entirely American…the holiday, the parade, the style of uniforms and the food are all very unique to American culture," said On Kei Angel Chow, studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was also a student leader who helped organize CCIP's attendance at the event. "People here have great admiration for their nation's heroes, and they have a deep sense of national pride," she added.
Another student leader, Yanjun Doris Li from the Open University of Hong Kong, said, "This is my third day in New York. Though my internship has not yet begun, this activity gives me a good idea of American values, which are slightly different from what I imagined. Most participants in the parade are senior citizens, so I really feel that there is a connection to history in these traditions."
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is recognized as being the largest in the nation. Held annually since 1927, it is a time for citizens to honor veterans and fallen heroes, and for the community to come together and celebrate.
