Holmdel Community Gathers to Remember the Fallen on Memorial Day

It has been said, “Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty of high ideals.”

Each year on Memorial Day, we pay tribute to all of our military men and women who have died while serving our country. Here in Holmdel, NJ, as in thousands of other communities throughout the nation, that tribute is marked by a somber ceremony attended by township families, friends, volunteers, government officials, seniors, scouts, first responders, and proud veterans.

On the morning of May 28, 2018, a crowd gathered once again in Memorial Circle, outside Holmdel Town Hall, for the annual township ceremony, organized by the Holmdel Recreation Department and Commander Art Davey, VFW Post 5918 Retired, with music performed by the students of the Holmdel High School Band and conducted by John Koryat.

The ceremony began with the National Anthem and the entrance of the Holmdel PBA Honor Guard, stepping smartly and silently with careful precision in their dress uniforms as the crowd rose to their feet, hands over their hearts or with respectful salutes. The invocation and Veterans Day Prayer followed, and then the Honor Guard conducted the raising of the colors, with the old flag removed from the tall flagpole, presented to Davey, and replaced with the new flag, which flew at half-staff in honor of our fallen heroes.

Welcome messages were given by master of ceremonies and former mayor Art Davey and by current Holmdel Mayor Tom Critelli, who spoke of the meaning of the day and the ultimate sacrifice of our service members. Then came the presentation of 11 beautiful memorial wreaths by representatives of the Holmdel Township Committee, Holmdel PBA #239, the fire department, first aid squad, CERT/OEM, Half-Century Club, Kiwanis Club, Republican party, Boy Scout Troops 131 and 331, Girl Scouts, and Democrats. Each group came forward to carry their wreath and gathered for a photo before returning to their places in the crowd.

Finally, special recognition was given to each of the armed services – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard – plus all those who are prisoners of war or missing in action. As each military branch’s anthem was played, representatives stepped forward to raise the respective service flags.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt thanks given to all of the veterans present and to everyone who attended. Afterwards, the crowd was invited inside town hall to enjoy refreshments, courtesy of the Holmdel Recreation Department.