New this year, Medford VFW Post #7677 is planning to perform memorial services at each of the three Medford Township cemeteries east of Main Street (Family Ministry at Branch and Filbert Streets, the Baptist Cemetery and the Odd Fellows Cemetery) on Saturday, May 23, in the usual sequence, commencing at noon.
For the Medford Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, the Parade will step off at 11 a.m. from Medford Memorial Middle School, and follow its traditional route up Mill Street, turning right on Trimble Street, then left onto Main Street, passing the Township’s Veterans Monuments on South Main Street next to the Medford Memorial Community Center at 21 South Main Street. It will then turn right on Branch Street, make a quick right on Charles Street, a right on Bank Street and a left turn into the public parking lot which extends behind the Community Center. The honor guard, wreath layers and VIPs will move to the Veterans Monuments and assume their stations for the Ceremony. As soon as the last march unit in the parade passes the Community Center, Medford Police and the Master of Ceremonies will invite the public to the proximity of the Veterans Monuments for the official Ceremony.
This year’s Grand Marshall is Marvin Wills. A lifelong resident of Medford, many residents will remember his parents who owned and operated Wills Store (now the Medford Company Store) at 134 South Main Street. Marvin is a US Air Force veteran who served from 1951–1955, a portion of which was spent in Okinawa during the Korean War. He is a 50+ year life member of the Union Fire Company and served in many capacities for them. He also served as Medford’s Municipal Clerk from 1958–1961, and was also actively involved with Boy Scout Troop #26 for many years. He worked for many years at Morgan Ford, which is now Medford Ford, located on Route 70.
VFW Post # 7677 will host the activities in conjunction with Medford officials. In the event of inclement weather, the Ceremony will be held in the VFW Hall located on Church Road.
Parade participants include members of the VFW Post #7677, the Shawnee High School Marching Band, the Medford Police Department, Medford EMS, the Union and Taunton Fire Companies, the Civil Air Patrol, as well as many other public safety representatives and military re-enactment associations from neighboring communities.
The Township Council invites and encourages Veterans to march in the Parade or join them in a vehicle. Local Scout troops and civic organizations who wish to march in the parade are also encouraged to do so and should contact the Beth Portocalis at the Municipal Offices or by calling (609) 654–2608 x338. Also, participation in the parade on decorated bicycles is highly encouraged. Bikers should report to the Memorial Middle School staging area by 10:30 a.m., and must wear safety helmets.
For more information concerning Medford’s Memorial Day events, please call (609) 654–2608 x 338 or e-mail [email protected].
