By Vita Duva, Correspondent
Monroe Township residents gathered Dec. 3 for a send-off celebration in honor of the Monroe Township High School Marching Band as its members prepared to represent New Jersey at the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and Ceremony in Waikiki, Hawaii.
As history recalls, Dec. 7, 1941 was the day that the United States of America was thrust into World War II, forever changing the nation and the world. The parade, which takes place annually in Hawaii, is the official parade of the Pearl Harbor commemoration.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to perform for such a prestigious event. It means a lot to me and the entire band to represent the entire state of New Jersey,” said Drum Major Mitchell Joseph, 17.
The send-off event was organized by the Monroe Township Music Parents Association, and held at the Monroe Township High School Performing Arts Center.
Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro and various school and government officials were in attendance. Other guests included the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Post 522, and Ken Kersch, a veteran from the USS New Jersey.
“We are so proud of the students receiving such an honor to represent New Jersey, and we’re thrilled that the American Legion Post 522 could join us to provide perspective on the significance of the Pearl Harbor remembrance,” said Linda Fernicola, president of the Monroe Township High School Music Parents Association.
“Ken Kersch from Battleship New Jersey gave such an important overview of the history of the USS New Jersey. In fact, all the states with historic battleships are being represented at the parade. The students are all so excited for the experience of traveling to Hawaii to perform at the parade,” she said.
Drum Major Alexa Quarino, 16, added, “This trip is especially personal for me since my grandpa served on the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. Being able to represent his ship is such a surreal opportunity.”
According to a press release issued late last month by parade organizers, the group was honored to have the marching Falcons participate in the historic event and to be ambassadors for New Jersey.
The band, under the direction of Monroe Township Music Department Director Martin Griffin and Marching Band Director Alfred Hadinger, was selected based on its achievements and recommendations from state and local music educators.
“The band and color guard have worked very hard to raise funds and practice their skills to represent the state of New Jersey and Monroe Township at this prestigious event,” said Mr. Griffin.
Mr. Hadinger added, “ We’re so proud of these students for their hard work and look forward to a wonderful performance.”
In addition to marching in the parade, the band joined the US Marine Corps Pacific Band, and other bands, in a mass performance of “God Bless America“ at the parade’s opening ceremony.
This year’s 75th anniversary commemoration featured more than 3,000 parade participants, including the marching bands, junior and active duty military units, and cultural and civic organizations.
Actor Gary Sinise, founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that works to honor and support all those who have served, from veterans to first responders and active duty forces, served as the parade’s grand marshal.
“At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need,” Mr. Sinise stated, as he helped pay tribute to more than 100 Pearl Harbor Honorary grand marshals on Wednesday. “We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.“
