Seventeen CCIP (www.theccip.com) students participated in the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade for the fourth year on May 28, 2019. This year, CCIP exchange visitors marched with NYC Comptroller Scott M/ Stringer and local citizens to acknowledge veterans and fallen US heroes.

Held annually since 1927, the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is the largest of its kind in the nation. This year marks the parade's 92nd anniversary – celebrating the 205th birthday of the poem that became America's national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

Kevin from Nanyang Technological University and Alexandra from Hong Kong Shue Yan University were the leaders of this activity.

Alexandra stated, “When I was standing in the crowd holding the comptroller board, I felt quite honorable and cheerful. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending freedom and democracy. The scenes were really memorable as well as spectacular.”

Kevin claimed, "Being the youngest in this program give me a very good experience to learn new things from people who have more experience than me. I was in charge of the Memorial Parade Activity in which I learn how to manage things properly. This activity also allow us to know more about New York culture as we march."

"I marched with Congresswoman Grace Meng and got to experience celebrating Memorial Day with the local community in Queens. I heard speeches from elected officials and veterans. It was really a rewarding experience," said Adela from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.