Rockaway Remembers the Fallen & Mike Honan on Memorial Day

By Katie McFadden

On Monday, May 25, Rockaway came out on an overcast afternoon to remember the fallen service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, as part of the American Legion Post #272’s Memorial Day parade and ceremonies. And on many minds was another servicemember who was notably missed—the late U.S. Navy Captain Mike Honan, who the event was dedicated to.

Filling the role held by Honan for many years was American Legion member Kevin Clark, who made the announcements at each stop during the parade. The first was outside of St. Francis de Sales Church after Mass, in front of the Four Chaplains monument. There ceremony began with the Channel View School for Research band playing the “National Anthem.” Clark thanked the clergy leaders and paid tribute to Honan, who died in January, and acknowledged the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 1.2 million men and women who have died serving the country since the Revolutionary War.  Father Jim Cunningham was then asked to read the names of the fallen, wreaths were laid at the monument and Taps was played on a trumpet by the Channel View band leader. Following the ceremony, the parade of veterans, school bands and community members marched down Rockaway Beach Blvd. while neighbors lined the streets to pay respect.

At Memorial Circle, Clark acknowledged parade chairman Jim Trainor for organizing the event. He then spoke about the Belle Harbor Garden Club, which created Memorial Circle in 1947, in memory of the fallen WWII veterans. He also acknowledged Honan’s role in overseeing the park. “He was especially proud of his work with the Friends of Memorial Circle,” Clark said. Rabbi Matt Carl of Temple Beth-El was then asked to speak. Rabbi Carl led a prayer, read names of the fallen and shared memories of meeting Honan through the parade and his efforts to honor fallen veterans.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola was then asked to say a few words. To a teary-eyed Fran Honan and her daughters, Ariola said, “I’m so proud to have known your husband and your dad. My grandfather was a veteran who came home with a plate in his head and what he taught us was that it was important to not only know how veterans fought for our freedom, but to never forget those who lost their lives and that’s something Mike Honan dedicated his life to, making sure that no one forgot the people who lost their lives and did not come home.”

U.S. Army veteran Brian Galarza took time to note that Honan was already planning this year’s event before he passed, as it also fell on his wife, Fran’s birthday, wishing her a happy birthday. The ceremony concluded with a wreath laying and the playing of Taps as somber veterans in attendance saluted the flag. The parade then continued on to the boardwalk, marching down to Beach 94th Street, with neighbors waving flags as they passed by.

A large crowd gathered at the Doughboy Monument for the concluding ceremony. Clark and Galarza acknowledged all who assisted with the day including the Channel View and Scholars’ Academy marching bands, the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, The Graybeards, DJs at Work and the 100th Precinct, and once again acknowledge the late Mike Honan. The ceremony began with the “National Anthem,” wreaths were laid at the Doughboy and Doughgirl monuments and all the names of Rockaway’s fallen were read.

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was also asked to speak. “I have to say a few words about Mike Honan, and I think it was so wonderful that you dedicated this parade to him this year. I had such admiration and respect for him,” she said.

Following the ceremony, the veterans were invited to the Knights of Columbus for a reception.

Photos by Katie McFadden.