Green-Wood Cemetery hosts Memorial Day Concert

Green-Wood Cemetery and New York State Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll presented Green-Wood’s 26th annual Memorial Day Concert at 3 p.m. under bright sunny skies. This year’s concert saluted America’s 250th anniversary. The proceedings started with a warm greeting by Green-Wood’s new President Meera Joshi, the former NYC deputy mayor of operations during the Eric Adams administration.   

The first number played by the 48-member ISO Symphonic Band led by Director Paul Corn was “Spirit of ’76” by Clare Grundman. Next was Frank Ticheli’s “Amazing Grace’” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” by John Stafford Smith with lyrics by Francis Scott Key. It was followed by four more selections which were performed under Part 1: “Our First Century.”

After a brief intermission, the talented young musicians returned for Part 2: “America Ever Evolving.” This segment began with “Strike up the Band” by George Gershwin. Other selections included “Armed Forces Salute” by Bob Lowden, “Danzon” by Leonard Bernstein, “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland, “New York, New York” by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb, vocals by Keilah Clark, and “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

Brian Worsdale, who founded the ISO Symphonic Band in 1995, was the guest conductor and served as the host and emcee. Bay Ridgeites may recall the many Christmas concerts he staged and conducted with the ISO Symphonic Band at St. Patrick’s Church.

Paul Corn is the assistant principal of arts at Wagner High School, director of the All-City High School Music Program and was formerly a music teacher at Fort Hamilton High School.

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Brooklyn Scouting and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus hosted the annual Memorial Day Brooklyn Flag Placings on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Brooklyn’s Holy Cross Cemetery.  Brooklyn scouts have been reportedly placing flags on veterans’ graves for over 60 years.

This event was jointly coordinated by Eddie Velinskie, KofC Faithful Navigator and Charles S. Dono (Sal), Brooklyn Scouting Liaison. On his Facebook page, Velinskie said, “A big thank you to all who assisted with the American flag placement for our military veterans at Holy Cross Cemetery Brooklyn, NY. This was the most patriotic recognition of remembering and honoring our US Military Veterans that we can do for them who have sacrificed so much for us.”

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The U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton has posted a temporary closure notice on behalf of the New York Harbor Defense Museum, stating that due to staffing shortages, the museum will be temporary closed from May 20 through the end of June. 

 Since the museum also falls under the jurisdiction of the West Point Museum, they have added the phone number 315-774-9595 for additional inquiries.

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The American Cancer Society Brooklyn Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Parkville Youth Organization Ballfield, 854 65th St. For more information contact Elaine Delaney at 917-715-2548 or [email protected].