Meet the 2019 Vets Parade Grand Marshal

In 1975, Lou Baer went for a haircut in Center Moriches. While seated at the chair, his barber gave him the usual - haircut and shave - but pushed for him to join the local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. He was hesitant, but eventually agreed.

“You don’t argue with a man with a razor at your throat,” Baer said.

Now over 40 years later, Baer, 74, has been named the grand marshal for the second annual East Moriches Veterans Day parade. Upon arriving home from his honeymoon with his wife, Debra, Baer found his draft notice in the mailbox. Baer was drafted in 1968, went through his basic and advanced training, and was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1969. 

Baer spent a year in Vietnam, and was a squad leader for his air rifle platoon. He was wounded in September of 1969 and came home at the end of his tour in January 1970. Also while he was deployed, he received the invitation for his graduation from college.

Baer moved to East Moriches with his family in 1972 (and is living in the same house). He has been married to his wife for 51 years, and has three children, Christopher, Amy, and Diedre, all of whom went to East Moriches Elementary. 

As part of the VFW, Baer has been active in many of the community programs the club offers. He helped to organize the annual Memorial Day parade for 40 years as well as the annual tradition of placing flags on all the graves at the Mt. Pleasant cemetery. They also host a Veterans Day service at Mt. Pleasant, do outreach with local schools and organizations, donate flags, and make contributions to local church food pantries. Baer has served a number of roles, most recently as the post commander for 12 years. Baer is also active with the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, serving as warden previously and in the vestry.

“It’s a very great honor,” he said of being named grand marshal, adding that it was a humbling experience.

Baer said the VFW is always looking for more veterans to join the organization, recognizing that some need the small push like he did 40 years ago. He added that the more members, the stronger the organization. 

THE PARADE

The route begins on Adelaide Avenue and roads will be closed east of Lincoln Avenue. The route will then head down to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, where there will be a wreath-laying ceremony. This year’s grand marshal is veteran Lou Baer, who is the post commander for the VFW Post 414 in Center Moriches. “We had so many candidates we wish they could all be the grand marshal,” said Miriam Gillies, an organizer of the event. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on Nov. 10.