Events / Featured News / History

Mapping America’s Bravest in Forest Hills & Rego Park

by BQE Admin · May 16, 2025

Uniting Generations on Memorial Day & Year-Round

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

Monuments, buildings, parks, and parade routes throughout Forest Hills keep the memory of America’s bravest alive on Memorial Day and year-round. Honoring those who dedicated their soul to safeguard our country is always timely. Come along for a leisurely stroll to explore some of these historic sites.

The Captain Gerald MacDonald Statue stands prominently in Captain Gerald MacDonald Memorial Park as a bronze sculpture bearing homage to Gerald MacDonald (1882 – 1929), a Forest Hills resident and WWI veteran. He was an officer of engineers, who erected bridges and dug trenches. The sculpture was dedicated on May 27, 1934 by Mayor Fiorello Henry La Guardia, after American Legion Post 630 allocated $1,500 at the request of WWI veteran Henry MacDonald, Gerald’s brother. The granite base inscription reads: “Capt. Gerald MacDonald; Memorial Dedicated By Forest Hills Post No. 630 The American Legion; To Those Who Served In The World War; 1934.” The statue was sculpted by Henry MacDonald’s brother-in-law, Frederic de Henwood (1864 – 1948), a world-renowned sculptor whose works appeared internationally, and was designed by architect William Henry Deacy (1889 – 1967).

WWI Captain Gerald MacDonald Statue, Photo by Stephen Melnick, Friends of MacDonald Park

Gerald MacDonald Memorial Park was officially named on April 25, 1933, and historically, the brick circle was known as Flagpole Square, where a huge flagpole once existed. On May 28, 1933, the New York Times reported, “The ceremonies included a parade through Forest Hills by American Legion posts, Boy and Girl Scouts, and civic groups. Colonel F.W. Stopford of the U.S. Army, who was the principal speaker at the ceremonies, praised Mr. MacDonald’s war service as an officer of engineers at the battle of the Meuse-Argonne.” It was announced by the Long Island Daily Press that movies of the park’s dedication would be presented at the Post on November 6, 1933.

A few years ago on eBay, this columnist acquired a rare MacDonald Memorial Games brass medal that represents Forest Hills and WWI history, and features Captain Gerald MacDonald. Into the 1940s and potentially later, the Captain Gerald MacDonald Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary existed at 119-09 Sutphin Boulevard. The Veterans of Foreign Wars memorialized the captain by naming their post, The Captain Gerald MacDonald Post, No. 643 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, according to the 1934 Encyclopedia of American Biography by Winfield Scott Downs.

For over a decade, Forest Hills resident Stephen Melnick, who founded Friends of MacDonald Park, works tirelessly and recruits volunteers who also maintain and enhance the park’s landscaping and overall appeal. Undoubtedly, Captain Gerald MacDonald is watching over in pride. “It is important for the history of our community to get passed down to each generation. Respect and honor for all veterans, such as Captain MacDonald, should be instilled,” said Melnick.

WPA mural 1, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman, 2020

The trail continues nearby with the historic Art Moderne style Midway Theatre at 108-22 Queens Boulevard, with its accordion-like façade and vertical beacon, curved corner, and oval lobby with a sweeping stairway. It was designed in 1942 by America’s foremost theater architect, Thomas Lamb, and architect S. Charles Lee. Upon making an entrance, theatergoers once took pride in a large illuminated WWII Battle of Midway map-inspired work of art. When community residents picked up a copy of The Forest Hills-Kew Gardens Post on September 18, 1942, they came across an ad stating, “The Midway Theatre has been so named and dedicated as a tribute to the gallant men of our armed forces, who achieved so brilliant a victory at Midway Island.” Patrons were ready for a single-screen theater, where they could enjoy films and attempt to escape the traumas of WWII.

WWII commemorative Midway Theatre upon completion, 1942

On Flagpole Green, formerly Village Green in Forest Hills Gardens, stands an ornate Neo-Classical pink granite and bronze monument, which honors 102 residents and was dedicated in 1920. The WWI Soldiers & Sailors Memorial was designed by renowned American sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman (1870 – 1952), who lived nearby at 236 Greenway South and operated a studio at 234 Greenway South. The memorial reads, “Erected by the citizens of Forest Hills in recognition of the patriotic spirit and loyal devotion of the men of this community who served in the Military Forces of The United States in The Great War.” The design represents “The Call to Overseas” above the names on the tablet including Dr. Joseph MacDonald, Gerald MacDonald, Henry MacDonald, George C. Meyer who served as president of Cord Meyer, and David and Howard Springsteen of the community’s farming family, when Forest Hills was known as Whitepot. In summer 2022, residents observed meticulous restoration work, resulting in the polishing of the bronze tablet, which developed a green patina as far back as most residents can recall.

The forested Samuel Picker Square at 69^th Avenue and Burns Street features a plaque and a stone memorial bearing an inscription: “This Sitting Area is Dedicated to the Memory of Samuel Picker; Outstanding American Community Leader and Dedicated Legionnaire; 1921 – 1981; Forest Hills Post 630 The American Legion.” It also features the name of past Councilman Arthur J. Katzman, a parks advocate. A dedication ceremony was held in 1983.

Samuel Picker wore several hats, mostly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. They included Queens County American Legion Commander, Governor of District 20-K Lions International, Queens Cancer Crusade committee member, and president of the National American Legion Press Association. He served as Grand Marshal of the American Legion County Parade in Ridgewood in June 1971, which began with exercises at the War Memorial on Myrtle Avenue, and surpassed expectations with 15,000 guests.

He also served as president of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. This organization offered philanthropic gift guide dogs and rehab to qualified blind applicants, where masters and guide dogs were trained at the Foundation’s center in Smithtown. Picker owned one of the earliest extant Forest Hills shops, Continental Hardware at 102-01 Metropolitan Avenue, and was also a consultant and buyer. The Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce has been going strong since 1977, and he was its founder and first president.

“Monuments and plaques are always important, since people forget at times. It is inspiring for residents to step up and do some of the great things that Samuel Picker did for our community,” said Pat Conley, 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Continental Post 1424.

Marching in the spirit of our bravest has been a unifying theme of the Forest Hills Memorial Day Parades. Forest Hills residents can trace an extensive route of historic parades. In 1922, red paper poppies were sold by a group of young ladies for 10 cents, and the proceeds benefited the veterans’ Mountain Camp. They hoped that everyone in Forest Hills would wear a poppy, which would pay tribute to wounded soldiers in the war. Abraham Lincoln’s “The Gettysburg Address” was read, and the Forest Hills Choral Club led “My Country Tis’ of Thee.”

In June 1923, The Forest Hills Bulletin captured how a multi-generational community bonded and paid tribute: “On Memorial Day, the Forest Hills Post of the American Legion conducted services on the Green, in which they honored Rice Bassett, Whitney Bowles, Clarence O. Collins and Lewis Serlin from Forest Hills, who rendered the supreme sacrifice during the war. Commander Thomas B. Paton, Jr. was in charge.” A parade was led by a 15-piece Naval Reserve Band.

WWI Soldiers & Sailors Memorial circa 1920, Courtesy of Forest Hills Gardens Foundation

The publication continued, “During the services, an aeroplane circled over the Green, and Comrade John von Hofe dropped a wreath, to which was attached a message from President Warren Harding. The wreath was placed on the memorial tablet and the message, calling upon the people for renewed consecration to ‘the finest sentiments of national love, devotion and loyalty’ was read. The speakers were Robert W. McCleary, Major, Coast Artillery Corps, and Hon. Robert W. Bonynge, ex-Congressman from Colorado, who both made stirring appeals for national patriotism. The Choral Club led the singing: Lead Kindly Light was sung by the post quartette, and Dr. Latshaw led in prayer.” A Memorial Day essay contest would engage the interest of neighborhood children, including those of Public School 3.

On May 31, 1938, The New York Times read, “In Forest Hills, a Memorial Day parade was headed by a detail from the Sixty-second Coast Artillery (Anti-Aircraft). The American Legion and other veteran organizations took part together with youth auxiliary units. The parade started at Austin St. and Ascan Ave. and proceeded to the Flagpole Green and thence to Jerry MacDonald Park, and to the Forest Hills Theatre, where exercises were held.”

The 2025 parade will begin on May 25 with an opening ceremony at 11 AM at American Legion Continental Post 1424 at 107-15 Metropolitan Avenue. At 12 PM, the parade will proceed west along Metropolitan Avenue and culminate at Remsen Cemetery, the site of a wreath-laying ceremony. Local and statewide community or civic organizations can march by emailing americanlegionforesthills1424@gmail.com.

The 2023 parade featured over forty organizations and Fleet Week military participants. An honorable highlight was meeting 93-year-old Co-Grand Marshal Anthony Sarro in his uniform, as he paraded alongside his portrait from the time he served in WWII.

Grand Marshal & WWII Veteran Anthony Sarro alongside his portrait, 2023 photo by Carla Rupp

The American Legion, incorporated by Congress in 1919, is the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. It maintains a mission to mentor youth and sponsor wholesome community programs, advocating for patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

The original Forest Hills Post 630 was chartered in 1919, and would launch and publish the Post Bulletin, which was renamed the Forest Hills-Kew Gardens Post. This post named and dedicated Gerald MacDonald Memorial Park and unveiled its namesake monument. In the 1930s, meetings were held at the Seminole Club on Seminole Avenue at Harvest Street (112th Street at 70th Road) under Commander Clarence W. Williamson, who also served as the American Legion’s Queens County Americanism Chairman.

Today at American Legion Continental Post 1424, a plaque commemorates past commanders. The earliest recorded is James P. Grimes in 1946, alongside names including Stanley J. Koerner in 1953, John Civita from 1968 to 1969, and Arthur L. Dunckelman from 1984 to 1987. Former Forest Hills resident Michael Albetta served as parade coordinator from 1978 to 1990, president and founder of the Remsen Park Coalition which helped restore and landmark Remsen Cemetery, and was coordinator of the “Colonel Remsen Memorial Encampment.” Last week’s column features Forest Hills’ earliest extant site, Remsen Family Cemetery at Trotting Course Lane and Alderton Street. It was designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1981, and reflects the Colonial period and the American Revolutionary War.

Samuel Picker memorial with primroses, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sponsored by American Legion Continental Post 1424 and the Remsen Park Coalition, the May 30, 1979 parade was predicted to be the largest of its kind countrywide, with hundreds of marchers and nearly 5,000 spectators. It culminated with ceremonies in commemoration of veterans at Remsen Cemetery, including Revolutionary War Colonel Jeromus Remsen.

The 1980 Forest Hills Memorial Day Festival marked an expansion to a two-day event. On May 25, over 200 Colonial troops participated in the “Colonel Remsen Memorial Encampment,” held at Greenfield Park bordering Union Turnpike. Attendees acquired a taste of Colonial life, complete with the era’s crafts. The next day, over 2,000 marchers proceeded along Metropolitan Avenue from the turnpike, which was the parade’s former starting point.

Switching gears to Rego Park is Lost Battalion Hall at 93-29 Queens Boulevard. From 1938 to 1939, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded an Art Moderne building that bears homage to the 77th Division of the U.S. Army for its heroism in the WWI Battle of Argonne in France. Over half of its 550 American soldiers perished and are remembered as members of “The Lost Battalion.” Historically, the building featured a firing range and drill hall for the Queens Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. This is also where the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office welcomed enrollees for World War II. The building was placed under Parks Department jurisdiction in 1960, and serves as a community recreation center, but awaits reopening after an interior renovation.

WPA mural 2, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman, 2020

Adorning the historic façade is a tributary limestone inscription with two bronze tablets of the Statue of Liberty. In a most unassuming place, the gymnasium, players would encounter two “Sailor, Soldier, Marine” WPA murals of the Lost Battalion in action, which were painted by Oscar Julius in 1938. Two bronze plaques are displayed in the lobby. One features Lady Liberty with an inscription that reads, “In Memory of The Lost Battalion. Built AD 1938 By Work Projects Admin. George U. Harvey, Boro. President of Queens.” Another memorial plaque features BP Harvey’s portrait as Lieutenant colonel, DSC (Distinguished Service Cross) dedicated by the citizens of Queens in 1946. For now, these artifacts are in storage.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented a proclamation and proclaimed August 22, 2003 as “77th Appreciation Day” in recognition of the brave men and women who served on behalf of our nation. An excerpt read: “For 86 years, the 77th Army Infantry Division has protected our city and our nation in times of crisis. On its 86th anniversary, we salute its descendant, the 77th Army Reserve Command and its courageous and skilled members who continue this illustrious unit’s legacy of valor. The unit was established on August 25, 1917 in New York State, and was called the ‘Metropolitan Division’ because a large percentage of its membership was residents of New York City.”