On June 12, 2,800 New Jersey National Guard troops had a homecoming parade on State Street in Trenton. The start of the parade took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse across the street from the World War II Memorial. The event was kicked off with a 19-0 gun salute by the 112th Artillery howitzers across the Delaware River.
Gov. Jon Corzine, Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer and Sen. Frank Lautenburg welcomed them with salutes and handshakes. Among the groups serving one year in Iraq and participating in the parade were the 63rd Army Band from Sea Girt, 102nd Calvary from Fort Dix, 112th Artillery from Morristown, 114th Infantry from Lawrenceville, 50th Brigade Combat Team from Toms River, and the 250th Signal Battalion from Westfield. These units have been serving N.J. and the United States since World War I.
In between each military marching group were several high school bands. Thousands of people lined State Street for a mile or two to see New Jersey’s own heroes march with honor. They will now return to their various duty stations around the state and perform maintenance on their equipment for the summer. Many will return to jobs and families they left one year ago. Others will continue their education at N.J. colleges and universities. It was a great day for all Americans, but in particular the citizens of New Jersey.
This is the first event like this in Trenton since the end of World War II. If you are looking for a few good men and women to work in your business, you may contact the author.
Paul Sniffen
Red Bank
[email protected]