By Geena Molinaro, Special Writer
West Windsor’s Memorial Day Parade drew a large crowd of local community members on Monday. Families lined up along the curb beginning at the intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Roads, right by the entrance to West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.
Although less official than other Memorial Day parades in the surrounding areas, the West Windsor Parade had a unique flair in the way it incorporated so many of its community members.
Leading the procession the color guard as well as several police cars. Next, three cars drove past decorated in red, white and blue. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, baseball teams and cheerleaders moved to the music of the West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South marching band and flag dancers.
Groups of children threw candy to onlookers, and friends waved and called out to one another as they passed by. Children dashed out into the street to collect treats. And residents living on the parade’s route sat on their lawns watching the scene unfold before them.
Stephanie Jaeger of West Windsor said it was "nice to have everybody outside."
The sense of community was prevalent throughout the procession as people celebrated in the beautiful spring weather. While many people said they enjoyed watching the parade, a sense of respect for those who lost their lives fighting for their country was not lost.
Conductor of the high school marching band junior Brian Starace said the parade held a deeper meaning for him than just a celebration.
"My grandfather served in the military and this is how I honor him on Memorial Day," he said.
When the parade came to an end at the West Windsor Municipal Complex people gathered to honor the men and women serving the United States at a short Memorial Day ceremony.
Two brothers, Detective Jason Jones and Patrolman William Jones, who participated in the parade as color guards said Memorial Day should be a time of reflection. They mentioned that they and the other members of the color guard, Patrolman Campbell Knox and Detective Steven Skwierawski, were all servicemen.
At the ceremony, Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said this was a great time for the community to come together but even more, it was an opportunity to bring local veterans together to "keep the spirit of the day alive."
