41st Annual John Basilone Parade To March Through Raritan

RARITAN, NJ — The 41st Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade honoring its National World War II hero, Marine Sergeant John Basilone will be held this coming Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.

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.

This year’s parade, which marches along Somerset Street in downtown Raritan, will include 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 begin on Saturday, Sept. 17 with a 5K Run, which will start at the Basilone Statue at 10 a.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.).

Preceding the Parade on Sunday, the John Basilone Museum at the Raritan Public Library will be open to visitors at 10 a.m. and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church at 10 a.m.

To Watch the Parade

What time does the parade begin and end?

At 1 p.m. the parade leaves from the Raritan Train Station. The parade usually lasts until around 2:30 p.m. Directly after the parade, there is a ceremony and speech at the Basilone Statue.

Where does the parade march?

The parade begins at the train station coming out on Thompson Street and moving onto LaGrange Street eventually it comes out on Somerset Street (the main street in Raritan) at the corner of Reimer Street.

It moves westward on Somerset Street and ends at Gaston Avenue.

Where can I park?

Those watching the parade can park at Lab Corp on First Avenue or at any of the three banks on Somerset Street. But keep in mind the road to access Somerset Street is fully closed at 12:30 p.m., so arrive early.

Where is the best place to sit?

Anywhere along the parade route is a good seat to watch the parade.

The Master of Ceremonies will be announcing each group as it passes Doughty Street in the center of Somerset Street.

More Information

The parade website is www.johnbasiloneparade.com. Parade email is basiloneparade@gmail.com.

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