156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade joined by Joint Base MDL, Brooklyn Army Recruiters, and 174th Inf Bde
Brooklyn, New York City, celebrated its 156th Memorial Day parade on May 29th, 2023, with one of the oldest parades in the country, to honor the nation’s fallen. Held annually, the event was graced by the presence of soldiers from the 174th Infantry Brigade who were invited to participate at John Paul Jones Park. This year’s parade was in partnership with the South Brooklyn Recruiting Company, New York City Recruitment Battalion, as the event takes on an increasingly special significance in Brooklyn.
1st Lt. Kevin Locklin, an executive officer for the recruitment company, expressed his gratitude to the support of the 174th Infantry Brigade from Fort Dix, New Jersey, who provided vehicles and personnel. He stated that he set up the event in a way that his team could engage with the community more and listen to their stories while passing pamphlets, brochures, and trinkets about the Army.
Belk served as a recruiter in Michigan for three years before coming to First Army, a background that makes him conversant with the importance of community events and fostering strong relationships between the military and their societies. Speaking to the press, Belk said that the community “showed their appreciation to service today” and was elated by the supportive show from the local community.
The day’s events also included observed activities, such as singing the national anthem, laying wreaths, as well as raising and playing The Taps. The ceremony took place at what has become Brooklyn’s annual gathering place for military services representatives, veteran organizations, and Brooklyn residents, creating a sense of unity and reflection.
Locklin explained that his team has participated in such events throughout the city for the past year and sees them as crucial in serving the community. “Community events are very important for us because they illustrate that recruiting is not our only mission, but also serving our community.” The recruiting company also invited future soldiers to take part in the event, giving them the opportunity to interact with potential recruits.
Ingrain Phyu, a native of Brooklyn, who had already taken the enlistment oath, shares her story of what inspires her commitment to serving in the Army. “I decided to join the Army mainly because of the stability. I was raised in a not-so-stable household. I got myself comfortable with the changes, but I do like stability. I feel that the Army, with the resources I have researched, will provide that stability, and I crave that.”
Brooklyn’s Memorial Day is widely revered for the incredible show of support from the community, and Locklin praises the event, “The Brooklyn community is absolutely amazing… It is easily hands-down the best Memorial Day parade in all five boroughs. We are fortunate to honor the heroes of the community that we serve.”
The 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade had brought the community together, strengthening the relationship between the U.S. Army and Brooklyn’s residents. With the mutual desire to sustain an honorable and noble way of life, the Army continues to show profound support to their communities while fostering the opportunity for future recruits.
