Memorial Day ceremonies in Highland Park and New Brunswick on Monday brought together elected officials, veterans and residents to honor those who died in military service, while also recognizing the ongoing needs of veterans returning home from war.
The annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony was organized by the Veterans Alliance of Raritan Valley, the City of New Brunswick and the Borough of Highland Park. The originally-scheduled parade through Highland Park and New Brunswick was canceled because of steady rain throughout the weekend and organizers instead moved the services indoors to the Highland Park Community Center.
Speaking during the observance, Congressman Frank Pallone highlighted federal efforts to expand healthcare and services for veterans, particularly those exposed to toxic substances during deployments in the Middle East.
Pallone pointed to expanded funding connected to the PACT Act, legislation designed to assist veterans suffering from illnesses tied to burn pits and other hazardous exposures.
“We’re trying to expand those opportunities to help them, because many times they’ve been forgotten,” Pallone said. “It was one of the things that people suffered during the war that we didn’t know about in the beginning.”
Pallone discussed efforts to improve veterans’ clinics and long-term care facilities, including services in Menlo Park, noting that many health conditions experienced by veterans do not appear until years later.
“We have to continue to think about not only those who fought, but also the veterans who came back and the needs that they have, particularly as they get older,” he said.
The ceremony’s grand marshal was retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ava L. Washington, a New Brunswick native who earned the Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan and the Meritorious Service Medal for service in Kuwait.
Washington delivered an emotional speech reflecting on her military service, her family’s long connection to the Memorial Day parade, and the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
“The Memorial Day Parade has played a prominent role in my family for years,” Washington said, recounting how her siblings marched in the New Brunswick High School band and drill team, while her mother served as band parent president.
Washington recalled memories of marching in the parade herself as a member of the color guard and later watching her son participate through the New Brunswick High School JROTC program.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever see myself as a grand marshal, and I’m a vivid dreamer,” she said.
Memorial Day, Washington said, is not simply the unofficial start of summer.
“Memorial Day is actually a day set aside to honor and remember veterans who dedicated their lives to the service of our country and laid down their lives in the country’s defense,” Washington said.
Recalling her deployment to Afghanistan, Washington described the fear and uncertainty she experienced overseas and how the national anthem took on a new meaning during combat.
“And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,” she said, quoting the anthem. “I found comfort in the noise my fellow soldiers were making throughout the night because it meant the enemy was outside and at bay.”
Washington urged attendees to remember not only fallen service members, but also their families.
“All gave some, but some gave all,” she said. “You live in the land of the free because of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. And when you think of them, remember their families, because they serve too.”
The ceremony was emceed by VFW Post 370 Quartermaster Bob Porter. The invocation was delivered by Eliezer Kaminetzky, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ohav Emeth. Elsie Foster, the mayor of Highland Park, gave the convocation, and Highland Park Officer Ryan Vanaman performed “Taps” during the ceremony.
Earlier in the morning, Mayor Foster and members of the Highland Park Borough Council joined the Highland Park Police Department and the Highland Park Fire Department to lay wreaths at memorial sites throughout the borough in honor of fallen service members. Officials also continued a long-standing vigil remembering Highland Park Volunteer Firefighters William C. Graff and Frank R. Molimock, who lost their lives in the line of duty on May 26, 1958, while battling a fire at Ten Broeck Motors on Woodbridge Avenue.
Plaques commemorating Graff and Molimock at the former Ten Broeck site and at Molimock-Graff Park continue to honor their sacrifice and service to the Highland Park community.