Year after year, we are always proud to see the tremendous support from so many in our community on Memorial Day. This morning’s commemoration at Grand Army Memorial Park, Pine Lake Park, to honor those who bravely gave everything while serving our Country was moving, as always.
During his keynote address, Mayor Robert Hudak honored the many service members, including residents of Manchester Township, who made the ultimate sacrifice or have suffered the loss of a loved one while in service to our Country.
“Our duty is not only to keep their memory, but the cause for which they gave their lives,” said Mayor Hudak. “We should not simply remember our beloved dead for a few moments today, but live our lives in service to others. It is important we seek opportunities to give back, and perpetuate the cause of freedom.”
Joining Mayor Hudak at the ceremony were Council President Joan Brush, Council Vice President Michele Zolezi, Councilmember James Vaccaro, Manchester Police Chief Robert Dolan, and members of the Manchester Veterans Advisory Committee. The proceedings included patriotic musical performances, a martial arts demonstration, presentation of wreaths by local organizations, a plaque presentation to outgoing Veterans Advisory Committee Vice Chairman Thomas Tedesco, and the playing of “taps” to close the program.
Thank you to Manchester Recreation for organizing this event each year, Public Works staff for set up support, and to all of the residents and civic groups that were in attendance.
We also thank all those who participated in the program, including the Manchester Police honor guard, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Vol. Fire Co. #1 Sta. 34, Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33, Manchester Division of Emergency Services, Veterans Advisory Committee Chairman Roger Grenier, Veterans Advisory Committee member Arthur M. Wright Jr., Rev. David Rittinger of Whiting Bible Church, the Singing Raconteurs, Manchester Township High School Marching Band, Master Manny’s Kum Sung, and performers Marisiya Goins and Jurissa DeOcampo.
You all helped to make this Memorial Day commemoration a special community event for the many residents in attendance.