(Fanwood, NJ) – Fanwood held its annual Memorial Day Program this morning in the Community Room of the Fanwood Memorial Library as a rainy morning forced the outdoor program to be moved inside as well the cancellation of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade.
In her opening remarks, Mayor Colleen Mahr noted that the library is named after “all the young boys that gave their lives and lived here (in Fanwood).”
Mayor Mahr asked veterans to raise their hands so they could be acknowledged. She was joined by Council President Gina Berry, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, Councilman Jeff Banks, Councilman Anthony Carter and Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Matt Adams.
Councilman Anthony Carter, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, Grand Marshal George Becker, Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwoman Gina Berry, Councilman Jeff Banks, and Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Matt Adams.
World War II U.S. Navy veteran Joe Schott lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
World War II veteran Joe Schott leads the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student Jordin Iazzetti sang the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, while SPFHS students Holly Dore and Aleksander Stevens played the TAPs and members of the American Legion Post 209 presented the Arms.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student Jordin Iazzetti sings the Star Spangled Banner.
SPFHS student Aleksander Stevens plays the TAPS.
American Legion 209 American Legion Presentation of Arms.
Mayor Mahr announced that Veteran Schott has been invited to and will be attending the 82nd anniversary of D Day in Normandy, France. He will be giving a brief speech at the Pegasus Bridge.
“It is a once in a lifetime experience for our veterans. Joe will be honored. He will reconnect to his past, and he will bring his story home,” Mayor Mahr said.
In his brief remarks, Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal, U.S. Army and Korean War veteran George Becker said, “The parade has been canceled, but not Memorial Day.”
World War II veteran Joe Schott and John Mooney of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade Committee.
John Mooney of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade Committee introduces Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal George Becker.
Grand Marshal George Becker with Councilwomen Gina Berry and Patricia Walsh.
Memorial wreaths were laid after the program in front of the library by American Legion Post 209, the Fanwood Police Department, Fire Department, and Fanwood Rescue Squad, all who were represented at Monday’s Memorial Day Program.
Fanwood Rescue Squad President Patricia Buckridee and Captain Brian Downing lay the Rescue Squad wreath.
American Legion 209, Fanwood Rescue Squad and Fanwood Fire Department wreaths.
Lt. Dan Kranz, Officer in Charge, lays the Fanwood Police Department wreath.
Deacon Don Hessemer of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Scotch Plains gives the invocation as Mayor Colleen Mahr looks on.
American Legion Post 209 Presentation of Arms.
Fanwood Councilman Jeff Banks and Scotch Plains Deputy Mayor Matt Adams.
