By Matt Nelson, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — Monday, thousands of people gathered to witness the 93rd annual Hightstown-East Windsor Memorial Day Parade on the streets of borough.
Edward Hayes, of Hightstown, served as grand marshal for this year’s event.
”It’s an honor. This is the first time it’s ever happened to me, and I really accepted it when they asked me,” Mr. Hayes said.
He served in the Army in World War II from 1944-1947 in Germany. Mr. Hayes was part of two of the five wreath-laying ceremonies in Monday’s parade.
Hightstown Mayor Steven Kirson said, “It’s a special day certainly for someone who served in the stands with that commitment. It was really wonderful that (Mr. Hayes) was able to participate in the parade.”
The parade started Monday morning on Stockton Street in between Grace N. Rogers Elementary School and the Walter C. Black Elementary School as a vehicle of the Hightstown Police Department led the way for more than 40 community organizations from Hightstown, East Windsor and Cranbury.
Some of the organizations involved in marching included the Hightstown High School Rams Marching Band, East Windsor Rescue Squad District 1 and 2, New Jersey Renaissance Fair, Cranbury First Aid Squad, Sons of the American Legion and the Bag Pipe Brigade as well as local fire departments.
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov said, “It is so wonderful to have all of the school groups, fire and rescue volunteers, nonprofit groups, religious groups, scout groups and, of course, our veterans coming together and enjoying and participating in this parade on this great day.”
Angel Cloughly, who lives in Roosevelt, said she has been coming to the parade for four years. Her daughter, Abigail Schwendeman, is in the color guard for the Hightstown High School Rams Marching Band. Abigail is a senior at Hightstown High School.
”For me, I love coming to the parade. I come to see my daughter march and all her friends and celebrate the freedom of our country,” Ms. Cloughly said.
Before the parade began, the first of five wreaths was presented at the Cedar Hill Cemetery on Mercer Street by Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1.
Pastor Heidi Bak from the First United Methodist Church of Hightstown was the speaker at the location of the next wreath, which was at the Civil War Soldiers Monument.
She said, “What most people don’t realize is Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. This is a day of remembrance. Our freedom has come at a great price.”
The parade continued on Academy Street, Bank Street, and it reached Main Street at approximately 9:45 a.m. Hundreds of people lined Main Street to watch the organizations march down Main Street.
”Just walking to downtown Hightstown and seeing everyone coming is something enjoyable to watch, said Melanie Frischman of East Windsor. “My boyfriend’s parents were marching with one of the rescue squads so it was fun to see people that you know that are in the parade.”
The third wreath was presented at the Hightstown Memorial Library next to Peddie Lake to honor those who lost their lives at sea. Another wreath was put in Peddie Lake to honor those who lost their lives at sea.
”I think the highlight of the parade was when we gathered by Peddie Lake where we had the memorial for those who have fallen, and there was a beautiful rendition of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ and I think that moved everybody,” Mayor Kirson said.
Erin Walsh, a Hightstown High School senior, sung the national anthem twice. The first time she sang the song in the parade was at the Civil War monument and the second time was at the library.
Mayor Kirson said, “Erin was great. It was as good of a job as anyone can do, and it really struck the note of the day.”
The next wreath was presented at the World War II Memorial, and the final wreath was placed at the VFW Post 5700 on Dutch Neck Road.
Michael Jacovsky from North Brunswick serves in the United States Air Force and is a Security Forces member. Monday was the first Memorial Day parade he attended and took part in as an active military member.
”We don’t have a parade in North Brunswick, and to see a community come together like this just makes me feel good,” Mr. Jacovsky said.
”It’s always a great community occasion to have everyone come together and remember our fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that all of us can enjoy this day and the wonderful freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in this great country,” Mayor Mironov said.
Mayor Kirson added, “Everyone looks forward to the parade. It’s an important day during the year. We are proud of all of those who have served in the Armed Forces and certainly those who have given their lives and we just have the opportunity to memorialize that once a year.”
”The reason for the yearly event is during the parade, the proclamation is read that declared the last Monday in May is Memorial Day,” said Lawrence Quattrone, Hightstown Borough council president and this year’s Parade Committee coordinator. “There is a regular proclamation read every year declaring that day, and what it does is it keeps the day alive, and it makes sure that we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can be as free as we are today.
He added, “The most important part of the parade is the spectators that come. They appreciate what these veterans have done, and they show their support for freedom.”
