Army trucks, wreath-laying, and of course, being Tabernacle, patriotic tractors are what residents can prepare to see at this year’s Memorial Day Parade.
Held on Saturday, May 25, the parade will start at 10 a.m., with line up at 9:15 at Seneca High School for all those participating.
The parade will proceed south on Carranza Road and will stop at the Junior Mechanics Cemetery for a ceremonial wreath-laying by Medford’s Veteran of Foreign Wars 7677. After, it will continue for about a mile to the Tabernacle Town Hall for a few guest speakers, at the corner of Carranza and Tabernacle roads. There, a number of wreaths are presented by the township and local volunteer groups, followed by a rifle volley and “Taps.”
“It is very moving,” said Mark LeMire, chairman of the Tabernacle Recreation Committee. “For a small town, we get a pretty good crowd, but would love to see everyone in town come out and participate by marching or just stopping by to reflect on these sacrifices and what made this country so great. Although this day commemorates those that fell in battle, we believe it is also a wonderful day to show our appreciation for all those that serve.”
LeMire, who normally emcees for the parade, says this year Rick Franzen, a former township committeeman, will instead lead the proceedings. The town’s mayor, Joe Barton, will speak and honor a local veteran.
In addition, a resident with a restored Army truck will lead the parade, followed by emergency and volunteer groups, including the Scouts, Tabernacle Athletic Association and various floats and patriotic families.
The parade will also have a patriotic bike decorating contest for the kids. All riders need is their helmet, and to register at the start of the parade.
Typically, the town usually has the Seneca High School Band play during the parade, but it is away this year on a band trip, so the town will have music at Town Hall, including a guest singer to lead in the national anthem.
If extreme weather conditions occur, a cancellation message will be posted on the town’s website, www.townshipoftabernacle-nj.gov, and the wreath-laying will be held at town hall at 10 a.m.
Residents can contact LeMire at [email protected] or Deputy Municipal Clerk Natalie Lewis at [email protected] for any additional information.
