Ocean County Veterans Day Parade In Toms River Rescheduled

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Ocean County Veterans Day Parade has been rescheduled, Toms River officials announced Tuesday.

The parade usually is held on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, but this year it will be Monday, Nov. 14.

However, a conflict arose this year because schools in Ocean County are closed due to the New Jersey Education Association Convention, which is scheduled for Nov. 10 and 11. The convention always falls at the end of the week that includes Election Day, and districts close so staff members can attend the convention.

Because of that, marching bands from the township's public high schools — Toms River East, Toms River North and Toms River South, as well as Intermediate East, Intermediate North and Intermediate South — were unable to participate due to the band directors being unavailable.

To ensure the bands — considered by many to be an integral part of the parade — could participate, Toms River officials and the Toms River Veterans Commission agreed to move the parade to Monday, Nov. 14.

“This is the first year that we have come across a calendar conflict with the schools for the Veterans Day Parade," Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher said.

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Toms River Shopping Center on Route 37, proceeding south on Main Street (Route 166) and then east onto Washington Street, meaning those roads will be closed to traffic for the duration of the parade.

"We are working with the Veterans Commission to notify all businesses that will be affected on November 14th," Kelaher said. "Our goal is to make your parade experience as enjoyable and seamless as possible.”

The parade will feature numerous military vehicles, elected officials, civic groups, first responders, local high school marching bands and a showcase of vintage cars. Chariot Riders of Manchester will once again be providing a rider-less horse with riding boots backwards to symbolize fallen soldiers.

“Veterans Day is a very important day to celebrate,” Kelaher said. “It is especially important that we continue to thank everyone who has volunteered their time to serve in uniform, for their dedicated service to our country and for risking their lives to keep us safe.”

After the parade, there will be a ceremony held outside Toms River’s Town Hall at 33 Washington Street. A commemorative salute will begin at the 11th hour, which signifies the end of World War I, originally known as Armistice Day. The post-parade ceremony will feature speakers and honored guests, a rifle salute, and the placing of the wreath on the veterans monument.

"Please plan to join us in demonstrating our support and never ending appreciation of our military veterans, active military and their families," township officials said.

Flag bearers from the American Legion march down Main Street in Toms River. Karen Wall photo