No Parade, But Hackettstown Memorial Day Ceremony Will Go On

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — With many COVID-19 restrictions lifted in time for Memorial Day, though there won’t be the usual parade in Hackettstown, American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164 will host a ceremony at Union Cemetery on Mountain Ave., Monday beginning at 10 a.m.

Post 164 Commander Joe Linskey said Thursday, it had been a pre-COVID tradition to end the parade at the cemetery each year.

In 2021 though, the ceremony will start by the platform in the cemetery and will include the reading of deceased veterans’ names, an Honor Guard and the appearances of both the Colonial Musketeers and Hackettstown Community Band.

“We wanted to get community involvement [with the Musketeers and Community Band] and we’re doing everything we can, except the parade,” Linskey said.

On May 22, some Post 164 members and scouts from Long Valley's Boy Scout Troop 36, placed flags on the veterans' graves in the cemetery.

The American Legion will have refreshments at their post located at 450 Willow Grove St., with the public welcome to join post members following the ceremony.

Linskey also said the Post 164 is seeking new members, who can click here to learn more about joining.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.