ALLENTOWN – The Allentown Lions Club will serve as the host to the borough’s Memorial Day parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. May 30. Participants in the parade, along with residents of and visitors to Allentown, will pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Parade Chairman Rob Strovinsky said marchers will depart from the intersection of North Main Street and Allen Drive and travel south on Main Street. The parade will cross the Conine Mill Pond bridge and turn left onto High Street. Participants will continue to the parade’s end point at the Upper Freehold Regional School District complex.
“There is excellent viewing on both sides of the parade route, with the intersections of Church and Main streets and High and Main streets being favorites,” Strovinsky said.
About 40 organizations from Allentown and Upper Freehold Township are expected to participate in the parade, including six marching bands, color guards, honor guards, the Crescent Temple Motorcycle Drill Team, the Monmouth County Hunt Club and 4-H groups.
Antique and classic cars will join the procession of floats and marching groups that will include athletic teams, clowns, service clubs and FFA members. The parade grand marshal will be Richard Switlik.
Following the parade there will be a memorial service on the school district grounds.
The honor guard from American Legion Post 31 and the Civil Air Patrol, Squadron NJ 082 Color Guard, led by Commander Jean-Andre Parmiter, will fold an American flag and present it in honor of all those who lost their lives while serving the nation in the armed forces.
Patriotic selections and “Taps” will be played by the Allentown High Redbird Marching Band, under the direction of Ross Hecht.