Memorial Day Remembrances Follow Parade

Warren's Memorial Day is a three-fold event, with the parade, picnics and commemoration of veterans' service offering a complete celebration for the holiday.

Monday's 2013 installment of the township's events drew crowds to line Mountain Boulevard for the parade, packed the municipal complex for the service, and had Elks Lodge cooks scrambling to serve up thousands of burgers and hot dogs for the free picnic.

The parade took a slightly different route this year, avoiding Mt. Bethel Road, and added a crew of vintage tractors and horse-drawn carriages—but the crowds cheered and applauded loudest for the veterans in the parade, keeping the meaning of the holiday in mind.   

"We need to remember today is a day to remember the veterans—not just those who died, but all veterans," Doug Reeder, who served as the host for the services, said.

During an emotionally-charged keynote speech, New Jersey National Guard Lt. Col. Dan Mahon noted he was surrounded by "great Americans."

"It's an honor to be surrounded by great Americans, and I know you're great Americans because you're gathered here," he said.

He noted four New Jersey men were killed in action since Memorial Day 2012, including Gillette native Matthew Kantor.

"For the families of the fallen, every day is Memorial Day," Lt. Col. Mahon said. "In our daily lives, we all commit inestimable acts, large and small. I propose when we make these acts, we dedicate them to those who gave their lives."

In opening the services, American Legion Post 293 Commander Ev Eaton noted the post launched the Memorial Day service 50 years ago.

"We started that tradition to recognize those who gave you—yes, you—and me the freedom we enjoy," he said.

But he noted the soldiers returning from combat with injuries need the public's continuing help, and urged everyone to help support the veterans by volunteering or contributing to VA facilities, such as the Lyons hospital, or through the American Legion's annual fundraising poppy program.