Generally Speaking: Historic Event at Fort Hamilton Army Post

This past Saturday was a historic first for the Fort Hamilton Army Base. The city’s only active military installation hosted West Point Day. In addition to a variety of activities featuring the Corps of Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy, led by their Color Guard and company commanders, contingents of cadets, both male and female, marched in formation around the base resplendent in their grey and white uniforms.

The parade started off with a bang! Artillerymen dressed in vintage 1812 uniforms fired a cannon salute on a grassy knoll just across from the General Colin Powell USO Club. When the Long Grey Line reached the bluff near the rear of the Officers’ Club, there was another cannon salute heralding their arrival as they passed in review before military brass and invited VIPs.

We spoke with a group of West Point cheerleaders, called “The Ramblers,” primarily female cadets who perform at Army football games both at the Point and away. We also watched a bag pipe and drum corps draw a lot of attention as they played, and some of the lady cadets did a dance routine using their Army sabers.  Another unit performing in the parade and on the bluff was the drum and bugle corps known as the “Hell Cats.”

* * *

Kudos to Bay Ridge resident Helen Stella, who received a citation and pin from the National Headquarters of the AARP for her over 14 years of outstanding service as treasurer of the Bay Ridge AARP. She received her pin and a bouquet of flowers from local AARP President Peter Killen. At their April monthly meeting, City Councilmember Vinnie Gentile‘s Chief of Staff John Mancuso presented a member item check to the group.

* * *

On a personal note, our thanks to Publisher Vicki Schneps for the kind words she spoke when she introduced me to the gathering at the paper’s very successful Health Expo at the Dyker Beach Golf Course Country Club.

* * *

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is holding its “Swing into Summer” annual Golf Classic on May 18, at the Dyker Beach Golf Course, 86th Street and Seventh Avenue. While the morning “Classic” is already sold out, there are still tickets available for the evening dinner Reception at $150 per person. For reservations, call 718-875-1000.

***

If you reside in the 11th Congressional District, don’t forget to vote in the special election on Tuesday, May 5.