Memorial Day is for honoring the heroes who gave their last full measure of devotion

Today, on Memorial Day, Americans all across the nation may pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

This day is a solemn reminder of the tremendous cost of freedom and the selfless dedication of those who served in the Armed Forces, ensuring the liberties we enjoy.

Arising from the mourning and loss following the Civil War, Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began as a way to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict.

Some have claimed that the founder of Memorial Day was President Abraham Lincoln, with his stirring commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers during the November 19, 1863, cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Over time, it has evolved to honor all military personnel who have died in service to the United States. It is a day marked by ceremonies, parades, and the decoration of graves with flags and flowers, a poignant tribute to our fallen heroes.

Everyone at CMD Media and NJTODAY extends our warmest thoughts and deepest gratitude to our fallen heroes and their families. The sacrifices made by these courageous Americans cannot be overstated, as their valor and dedication safeguarded the freedoms we hold dear.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Beyond the barbecues and parades, it is a day to honor those who gave their lives for our country.

Their legacy is woven into the fabric of our nation, and we must honor their service.

In communities across New Jersey and the entire United States, Memorial Day is observed with various events to pay tribute to our military heroes. From the solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials to the magnificent community parades featuring veterans and active-duty service members, each event is a testament to our collective respect and appreciation for those patriots who have served.

Americans from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who sacrificed everything in defense of our nation and freedoms. The VA invites everyone to join with veterans and their families at ceremonies in more than 200 cemeteries on and around Memorial Day weekend.

A full listing of free events at ceremonies and other community Memorial Day observances can be found online. Those who can’t attend in person may also honor a fallen service member by leaving a tribute on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site.

There, you can view veterans’ stories, decorations and internment locations for each of the 4.5 million veterans interred at national cemeteries, VA grant-funded state, territorial or tribal veterans’ cemeteries, and National Parks.

As we observe this somber day, let us also consider how we can support the families of the fallen, who live with the loss of their loved ones every day. Their resilience and strength are a testament to the enduring spirit of the lost but we should try to lighten their load.

We encourage you, our readers, to participate in Memorial Day events and take a moment to remember the sacrifices made for your freedom. Whether by attending a local ceremony, visiting a memorial or simply observing a moment of silence, each act of remembrance helps honor the legacy of our fallen heroes.

In conclusion, the living, breathing people behind NJTODAY join the nation in paying tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives serving our country.

We honor their memory, cherish their sacrifice, and extend our deepest gratitude to their families. Their legacy lives on in the heart of our nation, and we are forever indebted to them.

MONDAY, MAY 27

Groveville-Yardville Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Kick off on S. Broad Street
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Hightstown Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location/Route: Memorial Park, N Main Street
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New Providence Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location/Route: Springfield Avenue
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Dunellen Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location/Route: Starts at Dunellen Library; ends at Washington Memorial Park
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West Caldwell Parade

• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Bloomfield Avenue; ends at Crane Park
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Freehold Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Starts at Brinkerhoff Avenue and Main Street; ends at Monmouth County Courthouse
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Hackettstown Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Grand Avenue and Main Street
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Livingston Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Memorial Oval and Livingston Avenue
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Middlesex Borough and American Legion Post 306 Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Ceremony at Victor Crowell Park, Willow Drive
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Wayne Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Starts at Ramapo Shopping Plaza at the corner of Valley Rd. and Hamburg Turnpike, ends at Wayne Valley Municipal Building.
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Glassboro’s Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: 1 South Main StreetGlassboro, NJ, 08028
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Mahwah Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Island Road
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Summit Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: 25 DeForest Ave. to the Village Green
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Union Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10 a.m.
• Location/Route: Pearl Harbor Square on Stuyvesant Avenue
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Ho-Ho-Kus Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies

• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Sheridan Avenue and Ardmore Avenue
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Colts Neck Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Starts at Township Hall on Cedar Drive; ends at the Firehouse
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Beverly National Cemetery Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony

• Time: 11 a.m.
• Location: 916 Bridgeboro Road, Beverly, NJ
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Glen Ridge Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 11 a.m.
• Location/Route: Sherman Avenue and Baldwin Street
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Pennington Memorial Day Parade

• Time: Parade starts at 11 a.m.
• Location/Route: Toll Gate Grammar School
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Rockaway Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 11:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Beach Street to Main Street
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Wyckoff Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 11:30 a.m.
• Location/Route: Christian Cornerstone Church heading north along Wyckoff Avenue, turning right onto Main Street, then turning right onto Franklin Avenue and ending at Town Hall.
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Hawthorne Memorial Day Parade

• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location/Route: Lafayette Avenue and Utter Avenue
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