Manchester Honors Fallen Military At Memorial Day Ceremony

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township officials and residents turned out Monday to honor those who gave their lives in military service at the annual Memorial Day service.

The 2022 service was held at the Grand Army Memorial Park in Pine Lake Park. The proceedings included patriotic musical performances, a martial arts demonstration, presentation of wreaths by local organizations, a plaque presentation to outgoing Veterans Advisory Committee Vice Chairman Thomas Tedesco, and the playing of Taps to close the program.

"Our duty is not only to keep their memory, but the cause for which they gave their lives," Mayor Robert Hudak said. "We should not simply remember our beloved dead for a few moments today, but live our lives in service to others. It is important we seek opportunities to give back, and perpetuate the cause of freedom."

Attendance from the township government included Council President Joan Brush, Council Vice President Michele Zolezi, Councilmember James Vaccaro, Manchester Police Chief Robert Dolan, and members of the Manchester Veterans Advisory Committee.

The participants included the Manchester Police honor guard, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company 1 Station 34, Whiting Fire Company Station 33, Manchester Division of Emergency Services, Veterans Advisory Committee Chairman Roger Grenier, Veterans Advisory Committee member Arthur M. Wright Jr., Rev. David Rittinger of Whiting Bible Church, the Singing Raconteurs, Manchester Township High School Marching Band, Master Manny’s Kum Sung, and performers Marisiya Goins and Jurissa DeOcampo.

The event was organized by the Manchester Recreation department and the Public Works department set up the equipment and seating at the event.