Memorial Day is a time to reflect on those who gave their lives so all American citizens can live in freedom. On Monday, municipalities across the United States held ceremonies and parades as a tribute. Hudson TV attended two of the events held in north Hudson; The first in West New York, the second in Weehawken.
During West New York’s ceremony, Mayor Albio Sires told the approximately 75 residents, veterans, military personnel and law enforcement officers in attendance, to take a moment to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives during times of war so we all could enjoy the freedoms which the United States affords us as Americans.
The Memorial High School Marching Band played the National Anthem; Antonio Rosario of Boy Scout Troop 223 recited the Pledge of Allegiance; and Sean Harvey from the local American Legion Post read from Flanders Fields.
It was a morning filled with memories of relatives who served, or are now serving.
As West New York’s ceremony was wrapping up, Weehawken’s annual Memorial Day Parade was getting underway. Marchers made their way through the township, ending at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial overlooking Manhattan on Boulevard East.
Veterans were thanked for their service while those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our democracy were honored. Parade Grand Marshal Jeff Welz, a Navy veteran, and Joseph Ehret, Sr., an Air Force veteran, were recognized for their service to the country.
Two Weehawken High School students received college scholarships; Derek Sanchez, the PFC Salvatore P. Cernelli Memorial Scholarship, and Cassandra Gonzalez, the Weehawken Elks Scholarship.
The ceremony, attended by more than 100 residents, ended with the Weehawken High School Marching Band playing God Bless America.