EDISON – Michael Meehan, a three-decade member and chaplain of VFW Post 3117, served as grand marshal of the 56th annual Memorial Day Parade in Edison.
Meehan served in the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division during the Korean conflict and, after rotating stateside, served in the 11th Airborne Brigade. As a civilian, Meehan had a nearly 30-year career as a Newark police officer.
Meehan is recognized in the Edison community for his charitable work, including organizing bingo and other activities, for older and disabled vets at the N.J. Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park, according to Ken Durkin, Post 3117’s commander.
The parade kicked off at noon on May 27 along Plainfield Avenue, from Division Street to Oakland Avenue, finishing at American Legion Father and Son Post 435. It featured 60 veteran organizations and military reserve units, civic and community groups, school and youth sports organizations, area businesses, police and fire departments, volunteer fire and first aid squads, and antique automobile clubs.
There was a performance by marching bands from Edison and John P. Stevens high schools, Shore Brass Band of Monmouth County, and St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band of Kearny.
The parade again featured its popular Most Patriotic Bicycle Decorating Contest, with prizes awarded at American Legion Post 435 for creative youngsters.
For more information, visit www.edisonnj.org.