Memorial Day holds a special place in the hearts of Lawrence Township residents. It's a time when the community comes together to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. However, as the years have passed, the significance of Memorial Day has often been overshadowed by barbecues, pool parties, and trips to the shore. It should be a time for us to pause, reflect, and rekindle the true spirit of this important day.
In
Lawrence Township, I believe our sense of community is strong. It's a place
where neighbors help neighbors, and unity is valued. The Memorial Day Parade is
a powerful reminder of the collective spirit within our town. It is a day when
residents put aside their busy lives to pay tribute to the brave men and women
who have served in the military. As a child in the 1970s, I fondly remember attending
and participating in the parade. I remember the streets lined with residents waving
flags, fire trucks blaring their sirens, and kids running along the parade route
pretending they were a part of it all – and they were! And, of course, the free
candy that was thrown out to everyone from the floats that passed by -- only the strong survived the mad dash for
the pack of Smarties and gum on the roadway!
In
Lawrence, we have worked hard over the past several years to promote and make
the parade a bigger and better event. Our Recreation Superintendant, Nancy
Bergen, and her staff work hard behind the scenes to make it all happen, along
with the support and assistance of the Township's Patriotic Committee.
The
parade and ceremony offer a unique opportunity to unite our community.
Regardless of our backgrounds, political affiliations, or personal beliefs, we
can all connect to honor our servicemen and servicewomen. By taking just a
couple of hours out of our holiday festivities, we can come together as one,
demonstrating our shared values and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our
military personnel.
The
parade is a platform for various volunteer groups to showcase their dedication
and commitment to serving others and for all of us to acknowledge and thank the
local organizations that help make our community a special place to live and
work. By attending the parade, we ensure that their efforts do not go unnoticed
and that we stand behind them as they march in honor of our fallen heroes.
The
parade culminates in a solemn ceremony (at Veterans Park), adding another layer
of significance to the day. The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the
true purpose of Memorial Day and helps us reflect on the sacrifices made by our
fallen heroes. We have named Paul Tweedly the Grand Marshal for the parade this
year, leading the procession along the route and speaking at the ceremony. Paul
is a retired captain from the Trenton, N.J. Fire Department and proprietor of Captain Paul's
Firehouse Dogs in town. He has shown exceptional
dedication to emergency services, the military, and their families, as well as
unwavering commitment to our community.
He is a true community all-star.
Join us on May
27, 2023, at 10:00 AM for the start of the Parade at Lawrence High School,
which culminates in the ceremony at Veterans Park.
See our related press release for more information on our Grand
Marshal and parade and ceremony details:
Grand Marshal 2023- Paul Tweedly.pdf (lawrencetwp.com)
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