2024 John Basilone Parade Marches Through Raritan: Photos

RARITAN, NJ — The 43rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade honoring its National World War II hero, Marine Sergeant John Basilone was held on Sunday.

The parade is the only parade celebration in America to honor a war hero.

Sergeant Basilone received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallant action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and the Navy Cross posthumously for more heroism in the Battle of Iwo Jima where he was killed in 1945.

Actress Loretta Swit best known for her portrayal of Major Margaret Houlihan on M*A*S*H, for which she won two Emmy Awards was the special guest in the parade.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Vietnam Veteran Ray Manzo. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroics in battle and later founded the advocacy group Rolling Thunder.

The parade, which marched along Somerset Street in downtown Raritan, included military groups and veterans’ organizations, floats, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, ROTC units, Civil Air Patrol Cadets, military vehicles, Marine Detachments, fire companies, rescue squads, and other civic and patriotic groups.

The weekend events also included a 5K Run on Saturday.

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