Borough Of Fanwood: Memorial Day Weekend Events

Press release from the Borough of Fanwood :

May 19th, 2021

Unfortunately the Memorial Day Parade will not take place this year due to an abundance of caution for the COVID-19 pandemic. While the CDC now says fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks, New Jersey’s guidelines haven’t changed yet and we must remain cautious.

Saturday, May 29th

RR209 Remembrance Ruck– 7-11am. American Legion, 237 Park Avenue Scotch Plains.  Rucking is the foundation of Special Forces training.  It is the practice of walking with a weighted rucksack (aka backpack). It implies action, energy, and purpose. Rucking requires strength, endurance, and character — and builds it, too. This 6.5 mile Ruck through Fanwood and Scotch Plains will require a 10lb minimun ruch/backpack/weighted vest and boots are encouraged. To sign up go to eventbrite.com/e/ready-regiment-209-tickets-151981989221. The route can be viewed HERE. Organized by Fanwood’s own Oshanda Erb.

Monday, May 31st

Fanwood Memorial Day Ceremony – 9am, Fanwood Memorial Library. We will commemorate the shared tradition of sacrifice and service by those in the armed forces. This year we dedicate the event to the 80th anniversary of America’s involvement in World War II as we remember those brave men and women who fought and died for our freedoms.  The ceremony will include:

• Laying of Wreaths
• Gun Salute
• Boy Scouts will be reading short bios of those soldiers who died in service to the US
• Reading of list of names of living WWII veterans in Fanwood. Residents are encouraged to email us the names of anyone they know of who is a living WWII vet.
• Boy Scout’s Flag Salute
• Taps will be played on trumpet and snare drum
• Benediction

Post-Ceremony Walk- After our ceremony, event participants will proceed up Martine Avenue to meet their counterparts at the Scotch Plains ceremony. The SPFHS Marching Band will be gathered on Alan Augustine Green for a brief concert of patriotic tunes.

Scotch Plains Memorial Day Ceremony– 10am, Veterans Monument, 430 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains NJ.

RR209 Memorial Day 8 Mile Walk, Run, Bike Charge – This self-directed walk or run can be completed by anyone who wants to follow one of the recommended routes around town along streets named for Fanwood veterans. There are lawn signs along the way detailing the individual named and what service/war they fought in. The goal is for individuals to get in the 8 miles to complete the “mission”.  Click below to view the suggested routes:

• Hometown Hero Banner Route 1 (2.5 Miles)
• Fanwood 12 Gold Star Route (6.1 Miles)
• RR209 Unseated Route- Scotch Plains (2.5 Miles)

World War II Veterans from Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Warren Butler -Scotch Plains
Douglas Clausen – Fanwood
Alex Di Pace – Scotch Plains
Dr. Richard Dobyns – Scotch Plains
Ralph Douglas – Scotch Plains
Alphonse Fantini – Scotch Plains
Carl Giacobbe – Scotch Plains
Norm Gustafson – Scotch Plains
Dante Mariani – Fanwood
Joseph Nagy – Fanwood
John Plebani – Scotch Plains
Gregory Ruffa – Scotch Plains
Joseph Schott – Fanwood
Nathan Spiegel -Scotch Plains

• Laying of Wreaths
• Gun Salute
• Boy Scouts will be reading short bios of those soldiers who died in service to the US
• Reading of list of names of living WWII veterans in Fanwood. Residents are encouraged to email us the names of anyone they know of who is a living WWII vet.
• Boy Scout’s Flag Salute
• Taps will be played on trumpet and snare drum
• Benediction

• Hometown Hero Banner Route 1 (2.5 Miles)
• Fanwood 12 Gold Star Route (6.1 Miles)
• RR209 Unseated Route- Scotch Plains (2.5 Miles)

This press release was produced by the Borough of Fanwood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.