In the years after the Civil War, Freehold residents would gather on Main Street on what was then known as Decoration Day, and march out to Maplewood Cemetery behind a gray mare named Dolly. In the Battle of Opequon Creek in Virginia, Dolly had carried her master, Major Peter Vreden-burgh, as he led his men in a charge at a Confederate battery. An enemy shell killed Vredenburgh and tore off a piece of Dolly’s ear. Back home in Freehold each May, Dolly led the small parade out to her master’s grave for a brief and solemn ceremony.
Dolly is long gone now — she died in 1884 — but the Memor-ial Day parade in Freehold has grown in size and stature ever since.
The 130th edition of this venerable event will kick off on Main Street next Monday morning at 10 a.m. Please join us to honor those who have died in the service of our nation and to celebrate what their sacrifice has secured for us.
Freehold Memorial Day
Parade Committee
Freehold Borough