Support for Marlboro's Memorial Day parade was outstanding

Although this was a solemn day, it was a memorable day when our community comes out to pause and remember all those who have made the supreme sacrifice of life for freedom by honoring the unselfish contributions of the men and women who serve or have served in the United States military.

Thanks to all those who participated in making the Marlboro Memorial Day parade a big success, as one resident proclaimed, "It's a proud day to live in Marlboro." It was our special privilege to recognize our grand marshal, World War II veteran Sgt. Thomas Shea. His presence at the parade inspired us all.

Special thanks to our guest speakers Col. (Ret.) Stephen Abel, deputy commissioner New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, and Col. Andrew Burns, United States Army AGR Logistics Branch, Fort Bragg, N.C. Thanks to Nathan Handlin for the invocation and Rabbi Toni Shy for the benediction and moment of silence for Frank Holmgren, honorary grand marshal, the last remaining survivor of the USS Juneau.

Special thanks to Maggie Barilka for her beautiful rendition of the national anthem, and the St. Gabriel's choir for their medley of patriotic songs.

Special thanks to Marlboro Police Chief Bruce Hall for his guidance and direction during the planning stages of the parade.

It was nice to see our younger generation participate in the parade, Boy Scout Troop 85, Troop 86, Cub Scout Den 6392, Marlboro Girl Scouts and the Marlboro Teen Advisory Committee.

Thanks to our Chinese schools, including Huaxia, Fidelity and Monmouth Chinese School, and also the Hindi School.

Thanks to our federal, state and local government officials who participated, and to our local emergency response squads.

A special heartfelt thanks to the members of the Veterans and Volunteers Committee for all their hard work and dedication in making the parade possible. I am humbled to serve with such a talented team for an honorable cause.

The Marlboro Veterans and Volunteers Committee will continue to host the annual Marlboro Memorial Day parade. We will never surrender our values and freedoms, we will stand together in unity and continue our mission to honor and remember all our brave military men and women who defend our liberties. We salute our veterans.
Jim Mione
Chairman
Veterans and
Volunteers Committee
Marlboro