JACKSON-PLUMSTED – Memorial Day parades are a tradition in the townships of Jackson and Plumsted and both enjoyed good weather and good turnouts for their May 26 observance of the solemn occasion.
Jackson’s parade began in the morning with various civic groups, emergency responders, churches, veterans groups and some members of the Township Council lining up at the Holman Elementary School prior to proceeding down Manhattan Street and ending in Johnson Park.
Along the parade route on South Cooks Road and Kierych Memorial Drive were members of the Garcia and Brower family who never miss a parade. Twin sisters Jennifer Garcia and Erica Brower joined family members. Garcia came with daughter Isabelle and their dog while Brower came with her husband and their dog. “We always like to set up over here. My mom usually comes but she couldn’t today.”
Garcia said, “we do this because our dad passed away last January. Michael Wess was a Vietnam veteran. He came home from the war and felt guilty. He had that survivor’s guilt from losing so many friends over in Vietnam. He taught us that Memorial Day is a very important thing to remember as they sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”
Following the parade, as per tradition, a memorial ceremony was held in Johnson Park and parade spectators could also enjoy the music of the Kickin’Wings band and some of the food vendors and other attractions that were present.
Plumsted participants and spectators Evelyn Steiger, left, Pre-K Paraprofessional of the Year joins Carrie Torbik wearing her sash as Pre-K Teacher of the Year with “Baseball Mom” Lisa Bartolone and her daughter Charlee, 6, and son Jack, 9 line up along Main Street for this year’s Memorial Day Parade. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Township Council President Jennifer Kuhn, Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein and Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri marched in the parade. Kuhn noted the passing of Councilman Scott Sargent over the weekend. He was a Navy veteran who she described as “a true public servant whose leadership and wisdom we will never forget.”
Police Sgt. Mike Basso, a veteran himself, once again coordinated the parade and service. Speakers at the service also included Ed Bing, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Army Veteran Wilber Boyce Jr. They who shared their memories of their tour of duty and losing people close to them.
“We couldn’t have picked better weather and it is amazing to see so many residents out supporting our country and our veterans,” Burnstein said.
Neighboring Plumsted Township’s Memorial Day Parade ran from Bright Road and North Main Street and concluded at the New Egypt American Legion Post on Meadowbrook Lane.
Mia Argemil from Girl Scout Troop 135 and Cameron Kittle from Cub Scout Pack 9 present a wreath in honor of those lost during the close of this year’s Plumsted Township Memorial Day service hosted by the McKaig-Test-Mullen New Egypt American Legion Post 455 following the annual Memorial Day Parade. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
This year’s Grand Marshal was Larry Watkins, a noted wood carver, whose operation is adjacent to the New Egypt Flea Market on Evergreen Road. He donated a patriotic wood carving featuring American Eagles last year that can be seen on Main Street in New Egypt.
Township Mayor Robert Bowen and Committeemen Thomas Potter, James Hagelstein and Leonard Grilletto were enjoying the parade and attended the township service that followed it at the McKaig-Test-Mullen New Egypt American Legion Post.
Plumsted’s parade featured more than 40 groups, vehicles, floats, churches and Boy and Girl Scouts plus members of the New Egypt High School Band and various sports teams. NE American Legion Post Commander Dave Snody and Vice Commander Kat Parent introduced dignitaries and speakers at the service including U.S. Air Force veteran Alan Berck.
“Memorial Day is more than a day on the calendar,” Berck remarked. “Their lives were gift to our nation.” He shared his own emotions and experiences of those he knew and lost during his time in the service.
Cub Scout Pack 9 Cameron Kittle and Girl Scout 135 Mia Argemil presented a wreath in honor of those lost during the close of the service.
The post Memorial Day Parades Draw Crowds appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.