Veterans Day Parade A Go In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Residents are urged to join officials and others in downtown Toms River Friday morning for the Ocean County Veterans Day Parade.

The parade, which is set to start at 9:45 a.m., will be held Friday, the Ocean County Veterans Commission said. Officials have been watching the weather and are anticipating rain will hold off for the duration of the parade.

Parade participants will gather at the Toms River Shopping Center, and the parade route is south on Main Street to Washington Street, then east on Washington Street to Toms River Town Hall at 33 Washington St., where a ceremony is scheduled.

The parade will feature numerous military vehicles, elected officials, civic groups, first responders, local high school marching bands and a showcase of vintage cars.

The post-parade ceremony will feature speakers and honored guests, a rifle salute, and the placing of the wreath on the Veterans monument.

"On Veterans Day we honor all those men and women who chose to dedicate their lives to a cause greater than themselves — the defense of our great nation and our precious freedoms," Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill said.

"While military service is often temporary, one is a veteran forever! The sacrifice of service to the country often shaped the future of those who serve," he said. "Courage, honor and commitment are not merely buzz words but a code that is forever part of a veteran’s DNA."

"To all who have served, we honor and salute you for personal sacrifices for the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy in this great country we all call America," Hill said.