As you fire up the grill today, in spite of cloudy weather and a soggy back yard, remember to take the time to recognize why today is a special day. Memorial Day honors the valor of soldiers who have served our country, and for those who died in battle or lived to tell their story, be sure to think of them.
One of my favorite old-fashioned parades is today, in the Caldwells. From girl scouts to boy scouts to veterans young and old, this is a low-key and moving small town recognition of our veterans.
The parade kicks off at 9:30 AM on Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, at the corner of Forest Avenue.
In Nutley, a town renowned for its veteran's programs and support, the parade kicks off this morning as well.
In Montclair, the annual celebration will take place at Edgemont Park.The Nutley War Memorials Remembrance Ceremony will start at 7:30 a.m. at the VFW Post 493. Following the Remembrance Ceremony, the community will honoring Nutley's fallen firefighters at the Public Safety Building at 10:30 a.m..The Memorial Day Parade opening ceremonies and welcome will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Park Oval.
The parade route is the same as previous years – Chestnut Street to Passaic Avenue to Centre Street to Franklin Avenue, with the reviewing stage in front of JHW Middle School. Rev. Pam Bakal will offer the prayers at the opening ceremonies and this year’s Grand Marshall is John P. McGuire.
The Township will hold its annual Memorial Day tribute on Monday, May 28, at 10:00 a.m. in Edgemont Park. Mayor Robert Jackson will be Master of Ceremonies and Township Historian Michael Farrelly will be this year's speaker. Mr. Farrelly will reflect on Montclair’s 150-year history, as the Township celebrates its sesquicentennial.
Rev. Margo Walter, Pastoral Associate at Grace Presbyterian Church, will perform the invocation and benediction and will also bless the wreaths. Montclair High School a capella group Passing Notes will sing the national anthem and members of Boy Scouts Troop 12 will lead the pledge of allegiance.
Also attending will be representatives from veterans organizations which include the Crawford Crews American Legion Post 251, Lt. Vincent J. Russo American Legion Post 382, Disabled American Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution Eagle Rock Chapter, as well as members of the Montclair Red Cross.
The Montclair Community Band will perform immediately prior to and after the ceremony and the band's trumpeter Carl B. Witzig will sound Taps.
The Police Honor Guard will open the program with the Advance of Colors and will conclude the ceremony with the Retirement of Colors.
Memorial Day has been celebrated in the U.S. for 150 years. Above and beyond your politics or holiday plans, our freedom has been protected by those who serve, so honor them with a thought, a prayer, or a smile and wave at a parade in your area.
Memorial Day in Prospect Park
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Monday, May 28, 2018
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join the Prospect Park Alliance this Memorial Day for family-friendly activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lefferts Historic House and the 1912 Carousel.
Prospect Park Audubon Center, Noon - 4:00 p.m., Free
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation.
Discovery Pack, Noon - 3:00 p.m.
The Prospect Park Alliance invites you to get inspired by nature with our Discovery Packs, a ready-to-go kits filled with nature activities for families.
Bird Nerd Game Hour, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn about birds and nature in this fun, mildly competitive hour of puzzles, Bingo, card games, and more!
Animal Encounter, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 2 pm.
Nature on the Go!, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
An Alliance Naturalist will lead children and families to areas near the Audubon Center, where you can learn about the nature that is all around us. This program leaves promptly at 3 pm.
Annual Memorial Day Potato Planting, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lefferts Historic House, $3 suggested donation
Join Prospect Park Alliance at the Lefferts Historic House, and get a taste of what life was like on a Flatbush farm in spring. Join us in planting our annual potato crop, race against friends and family in organized potato sack races and take a tour of the Lefferts historic rooms.
Carousel Rides, Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Children’s Corner, $2.50 per ride, $11.50 for a book of 5 tickets, free with Alliance Family Supporter membership
Celebrate the start of spring with a first ride of the year on the Park’s beloved 1912 carousel. Join the Alliance at the $150 level and your family (up to 4 people) will receive unlimited rides on the Carousel for a full year!
