Fourth Of July Ceremony, Flyover Will Honor Veterans, Commemorate 70th Iwo Jima Anniversary

Nearly 30 years ago, Bob Mrozek says, he and some friends were sitting around, trying to come up with a celebration for the Fourth of July.

The U.S. Army veteran said the idea occurred to them to have veterans wear their military uniforms for a ceremony, joined by their fathers, also in uniform, to honor the local veterans.

“Then the next year, a few more fathers and more veterans joined, and each year it gained more of a following,” said Mrozek, a member of the Normandy Beach Improvement Association and one of the event’s organizers.

On Saturday, the event will mark its 28th annual July Fourth Flag Raising and Veterans Appreciation Celebration. It is held at 6th Avenue and Ocean Terrace, and the ceremony begins at 1 p.m., Mrozek said. Among the nearly 60 veterans who are expected to be present will be Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, who is a veteran of the U.S. Marines.

If you plan to go, be aware that Route 35 southbound will be closed in Mantoloking from noon to 12:30 p.m.

The event, which is funded entirely by donations, includes music by the Shamrock and Thistle Pipe Band, a motorcycle parade by American Legion riders, and a flyover by the Black Sheep Squadron, a group of World War II era planes. (The Washington Post put together information on the 19 planes that comprise the Black Sheep Squadron, here.)

The veterans who attend represent all branches of the military and service in conflicts from World War II through Afghanistan.

Because this year marks the 70th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, as a token of appreciation for attending, each veteran will receive a vial of sand from Mount Suribachi, the site of the famous photograph of U.S. servicemen raising the American flag following the victory there, organizers said.

In addition to the ceremony, the event is family-friendly, with a hands-on display of five firetrucks for the kids, as well as free cotton candy and snow cones.

Normandy Beach straddles Brick Township and Toms River, between Mantoloking and Lavallette.

If you plan to go, be aware that Route 35 southbound will be closed in Mantoloking from noon to 12:30 p.m.

(Veterans from all four branches of the military participate in Normandy Beach’s annual Fourth of July Flag-Raising and Veterans Appreciation celebration. Photo credit: Normandy Beach Improvement Association)