STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Home to one of the oldest consecutively-held Independence Day celebrations in the United States, Travis filled with patriotism, tradition and community as the 113th annual Fourth of July Parade stepped off Tuesday.
With a forecast of thunderstorms threatening the festivities, families, residents and parade sponsors came prepared with ponchos and umbrellas. But heavy rain held off, with only a drizzle sprinkling the spectators as the parade made its way down Glen Street and Victory Boulevard.
“The sun came down on Travis,” members of the Travis Parade Committee said.
The parade started with a ceremony in Independence Park, with the National Anthem, God Bless America and a prayer by Father John Wroblewski from St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church.
The committee also honored the late 113th Grand Marshall and longtime parade volunteer, Richard Platt, with remarks from his wife Sue Ann Platt.
Elected officials were in attendance, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Borough President Vito Fossella and Mayor Eric Adams.
“[We are] the only place on the globe with ‘dream’ attached to its name…I’m proud to be in this city of New York, this is where the dream stays alive,” Adams said. “And Staten Islanders for 113 years, you represented what that dream stands for…Let’s march for this country.”
As the parade began with enthusiastic music from the NYPD Police Band and Staten Island Pipes and Drums, the sun came out to shine.
Casserly Robert has been a part of Staten Island Pipes and Drums for about 30 years. “I’m originally from Jersey City and moved over here…it was the first group I ran into and the first place I made friends within Staten Island. They’re like my second family,” he said.
Matt Meagher, another Staten Island Pipes and Drums member of 7 years, chimed in, “And he’s still here!”
In fact, Robert and Meagher aren’t the only ones who keep coming back to the parade. Tradition is a value deeply rooted in…
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