Pride fills Dyker Heights in annual Independence Day parade

Brooklynites gathered on Saturday, June 27, for the 110^th annual Independence Day Parade in Dyker Heights.

The oldest Independence Day Parade in New York City was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, with the cooperation of the 13^rd Avenue Merchants Association of Bay Ridge.

An estimated 1,000 marchers from varying parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island were led in celebration along 13^th Avenue from 71^st to 86^th Street for approximately an hour by Grand Marshal John Maloney.  Accompanying the procession were Boy and Girl Scout groups, color guard, and various antique cars.

“The parade is in its 110^th year, so that legacy is alive,” said Ted General, who was grand marshal of the parade in 2007.

In the past, the parade was held on July Fourth, but in recent years the parade has been held on the last Saturday in June in order to encourage increased community participation.

During the post-parade ceremony, several Knights of Columbus members received awards, including Kenneth Latham, who is the New York State secretary of state of the Knights of Columbus.

At the end of the day, the aim of the parade is as clear as the many flags that dot the homes in southwest Brooklyn.

“Several communities in southwest Brooklyn express their patriotism. Communities like Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst that surround Fort Hamilton are usually pro-military and pro-veterans,” said General. “A celebration like this displays what they stand for.”