HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Despite rainy conditions, crowds gathered Monday in Hackettstown for the 158th Annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony honoring the nation’s fallen service members.
The event, organized by American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164, featured a patriotic procession through town followed by a Memorial Day ceremony at Union Cemetery.
Arnie Solomon of American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164 welcomed attendees and opened the ceremony, which included remarks from Hackettstown Mayor Jerry DiMaio and keynote speaker Maj. Jennifer L. Nicholas.
Solomon also recognized this year’s grand marshal, Janette Hendershot.
Dr. Timothy Nicinski, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and chaplain/director of campus ministries at Centenary University, delivered the invocation and benediction.
The Hackettstown Community Band performed the national anthem as residents, veterans and local officials gathered to honor military personnel who died in service to the country.
The ceremony concluded with the release of the float and a salute to the fallen by the 27th Regiment of New Jersey Company F Living Historical Group.
The annual Memorial Day observance remains one of Hackettstown’s longest-standing traditions, drawing community members together each year to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
