Hundreds attend Memorial Day Ceremony at Cedar Crest

On May 25, to pay tribute to fallen veterans, and the courageous men and women currently serving the country, Cedar Crest retirement community held a Memorial Day Ceremony and displayed full-size American Flags, on eight-foot poles throughout the campus. More than 200 residents and staff attended the moving ceremony held in Cedar Crest's Interfaith Chapel.

"We can be reminded that there is a cost for our freedom and that many have willingly paid the ultimate price so that we might be able to be here today to enjoy the freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion," said Cedar Crest Pastoral Ministries Manager Bert Moore, who spent five years in the Marine Corps as an artillery officer and 25 years in the Navy as a chaplain until 2007.

The program included a Parade of Colors by MCJROTC Color Guard from Admiral Halsey Academy; Pledge of Allegiance led by Neal Monda, welcome and greetings from Cedar Crest Executive Director Todd DeLaney and Philanthropy Manager Lauren Corrente; remarks from State Senator Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips; Cedar Crest Chorale performance; poem reading by resident Rita Shedlin; reading of 1953 Memorial Day Address by resident Art Bauer; and an invocation and benediction by Cedar Crest Pastoral Ministries Manager Bert Moore.

During the program, Manager of Resident Life Erica Zayat introduced fourth grade students from Stonybrook School who read their winning essays from the "What Memorial Day Means to Me" contest. The service ended with the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth," with piano accompaniment by Cedar Crest resident Elaine Thomas.

About Cedar Crest: Cedar Crest, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The community is located in Morris County and is home to 1,800 residents. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.