Editorial
Who knew we would need a memorial for the Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade?
Sadly, that’s the case as the township opted Friday to cancel the annual holiday event due to the unrelenting rain forecast for the weekend.
It seemed like the inevitable decision. Township Superintendent of Recreation Steven Groeger explained this week that the threat of rain seemed fairly certain when the decision was finalized. At that point, several groups had already bowed out of the festivities. The rain also surely would have caused problems with borrowing the convertible automobiles used to transport various dignitaries in the procession.
The township had originally planned to hold a service at the American Legion Post 414 if there was rain, but Mr. Groeger said it was determined turnout would be low for that as well. Whether or not that would have been the case, more than 20 representatives from various areas of the township braved the downpours Monday to lay a wreath at the memorial statue in Veterans Park.
What was lost in the cancellation decision was a special theme for the parade and ceremony this year. The events were scheduled to honor the township’s female veterans, and the honorary grand marshal Col. Maria Morgan was set to speak about women in the military.
Well, the good news is the township has decided to go forward with the theme and use it again next year.
"Hopefully, we can expand on what we’ve already set up for this year, and get no rain next time," Mr. Groeger said.
But there’s no need to forget about Memorial Day and its meaning until the holiday comes around hopefully rain-free next year. There are still a few opportunities for Lawrence residents to belatedly honor the spirit of Memorial Day right now.
Residents can take a few moments to visit the previously-mentioned wreath in Veterans Park, but similar wreaths have also been placed in other locations around the township.
Residents can pay their respects to those other monuments at the veterans memorial in front of the Municipal Building, the Vietnam memorial located between Lawrence High School and Lawrence Middle School, the memorial at Princessville Cemetery on Princeton Pike, as well as the one at Upper Cemetery on Route 206.
While the townspeople will surely miss the parade and accompanying festivities, the message of honoring the country’s fallen military men and women should remain.
And that’s worth a few minutes of your time, even if that parade never did pass by.

