Montclair Memorial Day 2015 Tribute to Include Jeh Johnson and William Horn

Montclair’s annual Memorial Day tribute will feature two special guests for 2015: keynote speaker U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, and retired Air Force major William Horn, the recipient of the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in aerial flight.

Mayor Robert Jackson will preside as Master of Ceremonies, and the Rev. Paul Leggett of Grace Presbyterian Church will deliver the invocation, the blessing of the wreaths and the benediction.

House Gill Glenfield Middle School students Deven Sukheo and Carrington Brooks will provide words of reflection.

The program includes advance and retiring of colors by the Montclair Police and Fire honor guards. Montclair Boy Scout Troop #12 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Montclair High School student Brittany Hurlock will sing the national anthem. The Montclair Community Band will continue the tradition of performing patriotic music and Carl B. Witzig, trumpeter with the band, will play the sounding of taps.

Representatives from a number of veterans and other organizations will be on hand, including: The Crawford Crews American Legion Post 251, Lt. Vincent J. Russo of American Legion Post 382, Daughters of the American Revolution -- Eagle Rock Chapter, Disabled American Veterans, Pvt. Harvey Post 2139 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Montclair Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m., in Edgemont Memorial Park.

In the event of rain, the service will be held in the Municipal Council Chambers at 205 Claremont Avenue beginning at 10 a.m.

For more information, contact the municipal Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973-509-4915.

Pictured above: Jeh Johnson

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