This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Moving Memorial Day Tribute

Mayor Jerry Fried presided over the annual event.

Not even a change in venue could deter the standing-room-only crowd at Montclair’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. With thunderstorms making Edgemont Park unsuitably soggy, the ceremony moved to The Montclair Municipal Building, complete with full pomp and circumstance.

The ceremony began with the Advance of Colors, which included the Montclair Police Honor Guard, Montclair Fire Department Honor Guard, Crawford Crews American Legion Post 251, Lt Vincent Russo, American Legion Post 382, Daughters of the American Revolution – Eagle Rock Chapter, Veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm, and the Montclair Red Cross.

Mayor Jerry Fried presided as the Master of Ceremony, reminding everyone that today was “a day of making sacred the sacrifices others have made” in service for our country. Boy Scout Troop 12 of Montclair led the Pledge of Allegiance, as they do every year, with Frances Duffy of the Montclair Community Band rendering a beautiful National Anthem.

Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Reverend Andrew Butler of St. John’s Episcopal Church gave an eloquent  invocation, driving home the meaning of Memorial Day, “We remember those who laid down their lives to serve our country…and give many thanks for the blessings of freedom we possess.”

An inspiring highlight of the ceremony was guest speaker Brigadier General Retired Bruce Bingham. The poised Bingham used wit, passion and history to deliver a truly moving speech. 

Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bingham, who has lived in Montclair for over 23 years, joked that it was “nice to see the council room filled with people here for a unified purpose” rather than the political discord that can often erupt at a council meeting. He then proceeded to provide a brief history of Memorial Day (it began in 1868), and reflected on the deep commitment and preciousness of our veterans and active-duty servicemen/women.

Following the Brigadier General, came the Blessing of the Wreathes by Rev.Butler. Mayor Fried then invited attendees to watch the Firing of the Salute, which he noted would naturally take place outside the Municipal Building. 

Carl B. Witzig from the Community Band played a mournful Taps after the salute, further imbibing  the day with emotion and poignancy. The ceremony concluded with Mayor Fried wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day with their families, a benediction by Rev. Butler and the Retiring of the Colors. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?