This Is My New Jersey

“The Troops have been covered with Ice and Snow… and have been reduced to the necessity of washing their Clothes in Ice, and sleeping upon the ground without Blankets. Their patience under these severe trials is beautiful, and demands the highest admiration.” Letter to Congress from George Washington, January 26, 1780 from Morristown, New Jersey

Monday, May 25th, the United States will commemorate Memorial Day. I use the word “commemorate” purposefully. There are few things I despise more than someone saying “celebrate Memorial Day” or “Happy Memorial Day.” Even worse is the seeing the countless number of mattress sale announcements.

Memorial Day is more than a three-day weekend, barbecues, and hanging out with friends. However, many forget there is a somber part of the day. When we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

I take great pains to avoid politics. My goal is to focus on the beloved and unique qualities of our beloved state. I am also not oblivious to the divide that is in our country at the moment. No matter what is going on right now, I hope all Americans will take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in defense of our country and the families who are left to find a way to move forward with an empty seat at the table.

Every town will hold events this weekend to remember our brave military members. I hope you will attend one in your area. Here are a few that are taking place around the state.

Memorial Day Events

Mount Arlington: A ceremony will be held on Monday, May 25th at 10am at the Lake Hopatcong Elk’s Lodge.

Morristown and Morris Township: On Monday, May 25th a wreath laying ceremony will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Morris Township Municipal Building, 50 Woodland Avenue. A 10 a.m. ceremony will be held at the same building, immediately followed by a parade to the Morristown Green for a final ceremony at 11 a.m.

Mount Olive: All American 250th Parade at Turkey Brook Park will take place on Saturday, May 30th beginning at 9:30am.

Fair Lawn: The Veteran’s Council Memorial Ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24th at Memorial Cemetery. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. May 25 and will be followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park.

Hammonton: The annual Tri-Vets of Hammonton Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25th, 2026 at 10:30 am, in downtown Hammonton with a ceremony to follow at Veterans Memorial Park on Bellevue Avenue. Parade lineup begins at 10:00 am at the corner of Egg Harbor Road and Bellevue Avenue.

Wrightstown: Commissioner Vincent Solomeno of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs invites Veterans from across the state and beyond to attend this year’s Memorial Observance on May 23 at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown.

Mount Holly: Memorial Day Services will be held on Memorial Day, May 25th. The services will be at the Veterans Memorial Park in Mt. Holly, which is located on High St, near the Acme plaza. Services will begin at 9am.

Sea Isle City: A Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park, JFK Boulevard and Landis Avenue. Mayor Leonard Desiderio will lead the ceremony at Veterans Park the with City Council, veterans, and religious leaders. Wreaths will be placed around the Memorial Fountain. In case of rain, the ceremony will take place at the Community Center.

Bloomfield: A Memorial Day Parade will take place Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. The event will begin at Broad Street and the Town Green and process to the Sailors & Soldiers Monument at the corner of Liberty Street and Broad Street. Following the parade, there will be a 21-gun salute given by the Bloomfield Police Honor Guard, as well as a wreath dedication.

Bayonne: A Parade and Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Fifth Street by the World War I Monument. The parade steps off afterward at 5th Street and proceeds north up Broadway, passes the reviewing stand at American Legion Post 19, and ends at 32nd Street and Broadway.

Califon: A Parade and display of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be on display Monday, May 25, 11 am to 1 pm. Memorial Day parade steps off 11 a.m. on School Street. A full-scale Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on display at Califon Island Park, 130 Bank Street.

Find a Memorial Day Event Near You

This is a very short list of the hundreds of events that will take place throughout the state this weekend. I encourage you to attend one in your area. Take a moment and remember those who came before us and say a prayer for their families.