Holmdel Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Fallen Military Members

A police honor guard, standing at rapt attention. Respectful silence as the nation’s colors were lowered. A high school band playing patriotic tunes. Speeches made, prayers spoken. A loud rifle salute. Songs for each branch of the U.S. military performed as their respective flags were raised. Memorial wreaths presented, and the slow, mournful sound of Taps from trumpets playing in unison. A crowd of watchful citizens, adorned in red, white, and blue.

This is the stuff that Memorial Day was made of on the morning of May 27, 2019 outside Holmdel Town Hall, where township, county, and state officials, first responders, volunteers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, residents, and – most importantly – proud veterans gathered together for the annual Holmdel Memorial Day Ceremony.

It was a beautiful warm, sunny morning – perfect for a day that most consider the unofficial start of summer. But before indulging in barbecues, beaches, picnics, or pools, the crowd of families, friends, and neighbors took the time to recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day, to remember all those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our country.

In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Eric Hinds gave tribute to former mayor and Holmdel VFW Post Commander Art Davey, who waved as he was thanked for his years of overseeing the annual ceremony. He also acknowledged other past and present government officials, including former mayor Larry Fink and former deputy mayor Janet Berk, before reflecting upon the significance of the day and sharing a poem that had been passed on to him from Township Committeeman Rocco Pascucci. The poignant poem, entitled “A Soldier Died Today,” mourns the memory of a soldier who has passed away after living an otherwise ordinary and uneventful life, but who was a hero for all he had done while in service.

For the presentation of the memorial wreaths, which would be carefully lined up around the base of the flagpole in Memorial Circle, representatives stepped forward from organizations that included the Holmdel Township Committee, Holmdel PBA #239, Holmdel Fire & Rescue Company #2, Holmdel First Aid Squad, Holmdel OEM, Holmdel Half Century Club, Holmdel Republican Party, Holmdel Kiwanis Club, Holmdel Democratic Party, Holmdel Boy Scouts, and Holmdel Girl Scouts.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone was invited into town hall to enjoy refreshments that were being served, compliments of the Holmdel Recreation Office.