Known as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is a time for beach trips and barbecues.
But, by its very name, it is also a time to show honor and gratitude to those who have given their lives in the military.
In Woodbridge, many will be doing just that, as there is no shortage of events and services slated to recognize local veterans.
“There’s a long list of Woodbridge veterans who have given their lives for our country,” Mayor John McCormac said. “Our job as elected officials is to never forget them.”
To kick things off, the township will host the annual Support Our Troops Rally at 6 p.m. May 20 at George Frederick Plaza at the Veterans Monument, between the Woodbridge Main Library and Woodbridge High School. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside the Woodbridge High School auditorium.
With songs of patriotism and expressions of love and gratitude for current military troops, veterans and their families, the rally has become a township tradition leading up to Memorial Day.
Anyone who would like to submit the name of a Woodbridge resident in the military should contact Councilwoman Debbie Meehan at 732-382-0273 or [email protected].
Meehan is coordinating the rally with other council members, McCormac, Middlesex County Freeholder Charles Kenny, the Woodbridge Township Veterans Alliance and families of military personnel serving overseas. Over the holiday weekend, a number of events are set to recognize veterans’ sacrifices. The township is home to a multitude of veterans organizations, which will each be doing something special to mark Memorial Day.
On May 24, Colonia VFW Post No. 6061 will host a service in honor of U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Reinhard, a Colonia resident who was killed in a 2012 helicopter crash in Afghanistan during his second deployment there.
A crew chief with the Marines, Reinhard was 25 years old. He graduated from St. Joseph High School of Metuchen, where an alumni volleyball fundraiser game is set for 5 p.m. May 19 to honor his memory. Reinhard played on the team all four years of high school. Money raised will go toward a scholarship in his name.
The May 24 service will begin at 11:15 a.m. at the gazebo in Charlie Shaughnessy Park on Inman Avenue in Colonia. The flag at the nearby VFW post will be at half-mast until noon, when a traditional Memorial Day service is slated at the post, at 600 Inman Ave.
After the services, the Colonia VFW will host a barbecue, complete with a variety of summertime delicacies.
“There’s plenty to eat,” VFW member Cliff Dykeman said, adding that the festivities typically go until around 6 p.m.
The barbecue costs $20 per person and is free for children under age 10. For tickets, call the VFW post at 732-574-9783 or Mee- han at 732-382-0273. On Memorial Day, a plethora of events are in store to honor fallen soldiers.
“It’s a busy day,” McCormac said, adding that he plans to visit each of the services. “We’re proud to honor the service of our veterans.”
The Keasbey Fire Department will host a parade and service at the Keasbey War Memorial Monument Park, at the foot of the Edison Bridge. Stepping off at 7:30 a.m. from the Keasbey Fire Department, 420 Smith St., the parade will make its way to the park for the 8 a.m. memorial service.
For more information, call the Keasbey Fire Department at 732-738-1692.
Also on May 25, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 04-04 of Sewaren will honor men and women lost at sea with a wreath-laying ceremony set for 9 a.m. at the Woodbridge marina and boat launch, at the foot of Cliff Street in Sewaren.
At 10 a.m. May 25, Woodbridge VFW Post No. 4410 has scheduled its service at the Woodbridge Town Hall Veterans Memorial in Triangle Park at Main Street and Rahway Avenue, and at the post headquarters, located at 393 Pearl St. in Woodbridge.
Also at 10 a.m., Avenel VFW Memorial Post No. 7164 will host a service at the post headquarters, 60 West Park Ave., Avenel. For information, call the post at 732-636-9615.
At 11 a.m., township organizations will offer three options for services.
Woodbridge American Legion Post No. 87 will hold a service at Veterans Memorial Park, at Woodbridge and West avenues in Sewaren, and at the post, at 314 Berry St., Woodbridge.
Iselin American Legion T. Nulty Post No. 471 will present a service at post headquarters, 25 Brown Ave., Iselin.
Iselin VFW Memorial Post No. 2636 has slated its service for outside the post headquarters on Auth Avenue in Iselin. Call the post at 732-381-3579 for more details.