Community Gathers to Salute Fallen Heroes

A bittersweet sentiment filled the air Monday morning as the Memorial Day ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park in Parsippany.

The deep-rooted ceremony, established by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has dated back ever since the American Revolution where it first began at the Vail Cemetary. Today, it is now held under the guidance of the VFW at Veterans Park—across the street from its primary site.

The Memorial Day ceremony was led by past commander and adjutant of VFW Post 10184, Jack Carey.

“It’s kind of a solemn ceremony; it’s different than Veteran’s Day,” Carey said, “because it’s honoring our departed dead, whereas Veteran’s Day honors all of the veterans. We’re just happy we had a nice, sunshiny day.”

Carey also spoke about how Memorial Day affects him.

“It means a lot to me, personally, because my father fought in World War I, my grandfather fought in the Spanish-American War and I was in the Korean War,” he said. “But it means a lot to me because a lot of the soldiers, sailors, Marines did not come back, and we pay them honor on this day.”

Advancement and retirement of the colors were made by the VFW & American Legion Color Guards. Parsippany Presbyterian Church’s Rev. Donald A. Bragg was present in leading the invocation.

After a singing of the National Anthem, the Roll Call of Honor began—where commanders of VFW Post 10184 (past and present) saluted the names of all the departed comrades of American Legion Post 249 from the Revolutionary War and forward. The Roll Call pays tribute to those who were also buried at the Vail Cemetery.

Mayor James Barberio then presented a speech, along with town council president, John Fox. A Memorial Day reading was also presented by Bob Barton of the American Legion Post 249, followed by a ritual led by Carey.

VFW commander, Gary Erdmann and American Legion 249’s Joe Minsavage performed the placing of the wreaths at the VFW monument.

The ceremony paid a special salute to Sgt. Mark Miller of the Army National Guard who has attended the long-held ceremony for three years.

“It’s awesome [the ceremony],” Miller said. “I think it should be. We should be recognizing all the past, present and future veterans. It honors those who have gone before me, I’m a veteran as well, and I really look up to them.”

Jeremy Levitt, a marine stationed in Camp Hamilton, Calif., was also saluted. Levitt has been deployed to serve for his second time in Afghanistan, possibly for next March.

“We’ve gotta be mindful that we’re still in a war,” Levitt said, “and at the same time not forget all the sacrifices made by the men and women before us.”

Levitt also adds on about his feelings on his second deployment.

“It’s my job. It’ll be interesting, just like the first time,” Levitt said. “I’ve been blown up once, survived that, I could survive anything now.”

The ceremony closed with a benediction and final words from Rev. Bragg. The Memorial Day Parade took place shortly afterward in Lake Hiawatha.  

Check back with Patch for coverage of the parade.