BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOR THE 116TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2023

***VIDEO/PHOTO RELEASE***

BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN JOINS THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOR THE 116TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

The 116th Annual Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Long Island Assembly #703, marched down 5th Avenue in Sunset Park this morning beginning outside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, located at 60th Street and 5th Avenue and continued to 48th Street, where it turned and concluded at St. Agatha Church.

Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, was the main celebrant at Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help prior to the parade’s start. In his homily, Bishop Brennan spoke of our need to fulfill our responsibility as American citizens and participate in the process of self-governance. “Our faith informs us and encourages us to exercise those very responsibilities,” said Bishop Brennan.

Bishop Brennan joined the Knights of Columbus in presenting recognition to three parade honorees at the conclusion of the Mass. The bishop marched with the parade route with the honorees including:

2023 Parade Grand Marshal

Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Szabo, Commander of the New York Military Entrance Processing Station at Fort Hamilton Army Base, Brooklyn

2023 Father John Brogan Community Service Award

Sir Knight Edward Thomas Peter Velinskie

2023 Pro-Patria Award

Reverend Father Michael L. Gelfant, Pastor, Blessed Trinity Parish, Breezy Point

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VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/839517298

Lt Colonel Richard Szabo GrandMarshal
2023 Parade Grand Marshal, Lt. Colonel Richard A. Szabo, Commander of the New York Military Entrance Processing Station at Fort Hamilton Army Base honored by Bishop Brennan and the Knights of Columbus.
Edward Thomas VelinskieFrBroganAward
Bishop Brennan and representatives of the Knights of Columbus honor Sir Knight Edward Thomas Peter Velinskie with the 2023 Father John Brogan Community Service.
Father Michael Gelfant Pro Patria Award
Father Michael Gelfant, Pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point, was honored with the 2023 Pro-Patria Award by the Knights of Columbus.
HonoreeswithBishopBrennan
Bishop Robert Brennan and the honorees assemble at the start of the Independence Day Parade sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
NYPDMarchingBand
Members of the New York City Police Department band march in the 116th Annual Brooklyn Independence Day Parade.