2018 John Basilone Parade This Sunday

RARITAN, NJ — The annual John Basilone celebration and parade will be held on Sunday to honor the valor and heroism of World War II United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone of Raritan.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the Raritan Train Station, located at Railroad Ave. and hompson St. and make its way along Old York Road to Basilone's statue.

Somerset Street, Old York Road and some surrounding roads will be closed from 12:30 to 4 p.m. as a result of the parade, Raritan Police announced.

A ceremony will be held at the statue after the parade with special quest retired USMC Lieutenant General John Toolan speaking, followed by a wreath laying, and a re-enactment of the flag raising at Iwo Jima.

The Bradley Gardens American Legion Post 327 is also inviting all parade goers to join them after the ceremony for drink specials and limited free food at 77 Old York Road in Bridgewater.

"Gunnery Sergeant Basilone and his men stormed the shores of Iwo Jima with the first wave of Marines on February 19, 1945. The Japanese returned heavy fire. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone ran toward one of the blockhouses — the source of Japanese fire — and quickly destroyed it with grenades and demolitions. After this, he scrambled to rescue an American tank that was trapped in a minefield. But in a moment that will forever live on in our hearts, Gunnery Sergeant Basilone and a handful of his fellow Marines were then hit by heavy mortar fire. He died alongside the brave men who stepped forward to serve this country and the men who he wanted to return to battle to protect and defend," said Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07).

Basilone was the only Marine of World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Lance is passed a bill to rename the U.S. Post Office at 30 East St. in Raritan as the "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Post Office."

• (See Related: Lance Bill To Rename Raritan Post Office For John Basilone)

For more information on the parade visit the John Basilone Parade Committee's Facebook page.

(Image via John Basilone Parade Committee)

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