Memorial Day is a highly celebrated and observed holiday in Fanwood and this year is no exception. Fanwood is proud to announce the line-up of Memorial Day events and observances that will be taking place Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28. Fanwood will be the host to the annual Memorial Day Concert and Memorial Day Observance and Parade.
“Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for those we lost and acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made for our country,” said Mayor Colleen Mahr. “I’m honored that Fanwood will be the host to so many great events this year to honor Memorial Day.”
The 7th Annual Memorial Day Concert will be taking place on the northside lawn at the Fanwood Train Station, beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, May 27. The concert’s theme, A Tribute to Fallen Heroes, will be recognized throughout the night as the Westfield Community Band will be playing patriotic tunes and traditional marches to commemorate all of the men and women who lost their lives during their military service for our country. All are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy the night, which will conclude with speeches from our local dignitaries, veterans and family members.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th, all are invited to the Fanwood War Memorial in front of the library, North Avenue and Tillotson Road, for the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance beginning at 9 a.m. Mayor Colleen Mahr and members of the Fanwood Council will host local veterans groups and dignitaries for the placing of wreaths and the reading of the names of Fanwoodians lost in combat, followed by a gun salute.
Finally, the annual Memorial Day Parade gets underway in Scotch Plains at 10:45 a.m. and makes its way south on Park and Martine Avenues through Fanwood, ending on LaGrande Avenue. The parade’s overarching theme, Remember and Honor All Those Who Sacrificed, will be celebrated through military honor guards, regional high school bands, our first responders and several community groups and they march through Scotch Plains and Fanwood.
The parade will be led by Marine Corps Colonel Konstantine E. Zoganas, this year’s Grand Marshal, and will be accompanied by Ed Miller and Joe Nagy of Fanwood, the 2017 Grand Marshals who unfortunately did not get to ride in the parade due to inclement weather last year. Col. Zoganas, a resident of Scotch Plains,is an Iraq War veteran and is currently assigned to the National Defense University in Washington D.C., where he provides training and exercise support to the Center for Applied Strategic Learning, and will retire on June 1.
The annual parade is funded by the Borough of Fanwood and the Township of Scotch Plains. The concert is presented through the generosity of local donors, including individuals, businesses and community organizations, that underwrite the expenses of staging the concert.
Additionally, on Saturday, May 26th, Sheelen’s Fish Market will be hosting a Grand Opening Fish Frenzy from 12PM-6PM! Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend with a fish fry, live music and more at 383 South Ave. in Fanwood. Visit sheelensfishcompany.com for more information!
We hope to see you in Fanwood during Memorial Day weekend!
