Princeton residents honored the American servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed and died during American war campaigns during the annual Memorial Day parade.
The parade on May 25, which was sponsored by the Spirit of Princeton civic group, began at the corner of Nassau Street and Princeton Avenue, and continued on Nassau Street to Monument Hall, formerly known as Princeton Borough Hall.
“Memorial Day for me is thanking the people that helped our country be what it is. We would not have the freedoms we have now if it was not for our soldiers who sacrificed for us,” said Zoe Anspacher, a new resident to Princeton. “It is very important to have parade such as this to remember our fallen soldiers, this is also my family’s first parade in Princeton.”
She said the parade brings the community together to remember not only the fallen soldiers but the country’s history.
“Since I moved to Princeton more than 20 years ago, I have been attending the parade almost every year. I have relatives who have served in Vietnam and I know they are still suffering the consequences of the war,” said Bob Haug, a Princeton resident. “It is important that we remember the sacrifices of our men and women. I am glad to see so many Princeton residents out here today.”
As residents lined the streets in downtown Princeton, a range of groups were seen taking part in the parade.
Some of them included the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment re-enactors and a patriotic bicycle brigade.
Princeton Boy Scout Troop 43, Princeton Cub Scout Pack 43, S.t Paul’s School Cub Scout Pack 1880, and Girl Scout troops from South Brunswick Township and southern and central New Jersey also marched through the parade.
Laura Pekata was another Princeton resident attending the parade on May 25. She revealed that this was also her first time to the parade as a new resident.
“It is important to honor our veterans. Memorial Day is about the people who served and went off to fight in conditions that were frightening and uncomfortable,” she explained. “They left everything behind that they knew, so this is a time to honor and thank them for that work. It is hard work most of us will never know.”
Pekata said it is so nice to see other resident’s pat respects and remembrance to those who had lost their lives in the battles throughout America’s history.
Other groups participating in the parade included The MacGregor Pipe Band, the Colonial Musketeers Fife & Drum Corps, the Burlington City High School “Blue Devils” marching band and Hightstown High School’s “Rams” marching band who provided the music for the parade.
The Princeton Police Department and its color guard marched, as well as the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, the Princeton Fire Department and Princeton Engine Co. No. 1’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Following the parade Eugene Marsh, a decorated U.S. Army soldier who was attached to the 101st Airborne Division during Vietnam, gave the keynote address at the post parade ceremony.
“For me as a decorated Vietnam veteran it means a lot to see so many Princeton residents out here today. So many are embracing us who have served in the military and those whose lives were lost in combat and Vietnam,” he said. “I am just humbled to be here. To be able to deliver this speech gives me great appreciation for where the country is and how much we have learned from each other.”
Marsh served a tour of duty in Vietnam and spoke about the challenges of his Vietnam War service and the challenges of racism and poverty that he experienced, both before and after his military service.
He explained that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection.
“It allows us to take time out and realize that freedom is not free. There are sacrifices made because of freedom,” Marsh said. “Men and women who have served our country and those who have been called to glory have to be recognized for their contributions. This is a moment to see how we can be a better country.”