HIGHTSTOWN: Milner named Memorial Day parade grand marshal

By Doug Carman, Staff Writer
   HIGHTSTOWN — Ahead of the holiday, former East Windsor mayor Leonard Milner reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day, nearly a week after he was named this year’s grand marshal for Monday’s parade.
   As the name implies, Memorial Day was established as a day to commemorate members of America’s armed forces who have given their lives fighting for and defending the United States.
   And as the retired Navy radio technician 2nd class described it, it’s a "remembrance of those who served in the armed forces of this country, particularly those who gave their lives."
   Mr. Milner, who served in World War II, said he saw the upcoming Hightstown-East Windsor Memorial Day Parade as a way for the community to display its patriotism.
   "It’s just an opportunity to show itself," Mr. Milner said.
   He did acknowledge however that some veterans disagreed over the way the day should be celebrated.
   One such veteran, a Navy gunner’s assistant, who declined to give his name, said the day has become more like the Fourth of July to some locals.
   Though the veteran said he didn’t think everyone had to walk around feeling morose, he took issue with the overly celebratory tone of a day meant to honor fallen heroes.
   "It’s a memorial, right? You know what that word means," the veteran said as he stood outside of the American Legions Post 148 in East Windsor Wednesday afternoon.
   The 92nd annual Hightstown-East Windsor Memorial Day parade will kick off at 9 a.m. Monday from Walter C. Black Elementary School.
   The event is expected to wind through downtown Hightstown and back toward East Windsor before ending at the VFW post on Dutch Neck Road.
   Parking should be open at all the municipal parking lots until 9 a.m. Some businesses will provide additional parking.
   Detours will be posted around the borough for those who are looking to simply drive through rather than watch the parade.
   Hightstown Council member and parade organizer Larry Quattrone suggested commuters take State Route 133 and U.S. 130 to go around Hightstown, and to take 130 down to State Route 33 for those who typically go through the borough to follow 33.