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MEMORIAL , from Page 1
Led by a motorcycle driven by Hammonton Police Lt . Joseph Maimone and veterans carrying the American and various military flags , the parade aptly reached the park as the “ Star Spangled Banner ” played in the background and members of the community , many donning red white and blue , gathered to honor our nation ’ s fallen service men and women .
The masters of ceremonies were
John Griffee , Commander VFW Post 1026 and John F . DeLucca , Program Director VFW Post 1026 .
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by Arthur L . Orsi and the Pledge of Allegiance led by DAV Commander Diane Eby . Robin Gross of Victory Bible Church sang “ The Star Spangled Banner .” The event ’ s speakers reflected on the true spirit of Memorial Day and challenged those in attendance to honor fallen service members through the remembrance of their sacrifices and the celebration of their lives .
Councilman Thomas Gribbin reflected on Memorial Day ’ s 150th anniversary .
“ This year marks the 150th Memorial Day in our country . A century and a half of American history , of towns holding ceremonies at cemeteries , of speeches honoring those who gave their lives , of parades , of the laying of wreaths , of the playing of ‘ Taps ,’” Gribbin said .
Gribbin discussed the emotion evoked by the flag and the sacrifice it represents .
“ An American poet once wrote , ‘ On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation ,’ I take those words to heart . When I pass by flag-lined cemeteries , or think about the folded flag handed to the grieving family and accompanied by the words “ On behalf of a grateful nation ,” it ’ s hard for me not to be emotional because I was raised to love this country and to appreciate our military who bravely defend it ,” Gribbin said .
He noted that not all Americans recognize the weight of the sacrifice or the significance Memorial Day holds , and acknowledged the important example set by those in attendance as many Americans are still serving and sacrificing for our
Wednesday , May 30 , 2018 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Memorial Day observed with parade , ceremony downtown
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freedoms . “ Today all Americans should feel that emotion , pause and remember those that died for this country . Sometimes , sadly , that sentiment is not always shared . There are those that fail to understand what had to be given in order to win and preserve our freedom , but by being here today you are setting an example for others to follow and that is as important as ever as we have so many of our finest young Americans serving in harm ’ s way ,” Gribbin said .
Atlantic County Fifth District Freeholder James Bertino discussed the importance of remembering fallen veterans as a way to pay tribute to their immense sacrifice .
“ Many have asked how we should appropriately honor our fallen , they wonder how they can best pay tribute to those laid to rest beneath our flag so that we may stand freely beside it today . We need to remember , our nation is set aside today for this purpose — to remember , to remember how our fallen stood with courage and to remember their devotion to America and it ’ s principles , but we leave here today and what should we do ? We should remember ,” Bertino said .
He encouraged the crowd to pause during their daily lives to remember the individuals who lost their lives defending our nation ’ s freedoms .
“ Tomorrow when we resume our daily lives , think of our families , think of the families of all those brave souls in cemeteries at home and abroad . When you see our Star-Spangled Banner waving over our schools or at a local gas station or in front of your neighbor ’ s house , take a moment to consider those men and women who gave their lives for the principles that make this county great . Or hearing the National Anthem at a sporting event , take a moment to think of those who did not survive and return home , who can never again salute the flag and share the freedoms we experience every day ,” Bertino said
He challenged the crowd to return next year to recommit to the promise to remember .
“ Let us pledge today to make a habit of remembering as an example for our children and family to follow , and a year from today , on the last Monday in May let us reaffirm our promise to remember ,” Bertino said
The event ’ s guest speaker was John Erlandson , a 2009 St . Joseph High School graduate who served in the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade .
“ Today is not about me or the veterans like myself who ultimately made it home , it is about those that gave all . Today we cele-
See CEREMONY , Page 12
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