JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A sea of colorful flowers lay in a back room, being prepped for presentation at the Parade of Wreaths ceremony. The smell of fresh flowers filled the room, masking the musty rain rolling through the open doors near the stage of the ceremonial room.
This was the beginning of the 37th Annual Parade of Wreaths ceremony hosted by Joint Base MDL community members and the Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Foundation, May 23.
Not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors military veterans who have served in the armed forces, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States.
“Today, we have the unique opportunity in partnership with the Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Memorial Foundation and the New Jersey State Police to honor the lives given to protect and serve us at home,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Neil Richardson, Joint Base MDL and 87th Air Base Wing commander.
At the end of the installation commanders’ speech, representatives from different units, local police departments and fire departments proceeded to the stage holding wreaths decorated and donated by local schools, organizations, and community members. The wreaths were gently placed in the front of the room by each representative.
Andrew Bass and Gavin Berridge, a fourth and sixth-grade student from North Hanover Upper Elementary School presented their winning essays to the audience about what Memorial Day means to them.
“Each man and woman risks multiple things,” said Bass. “Their life. Getting hurt mentally or physically. The risk of never seeing their family again. That’s why we have Memorial Day: to respect the people who died or suffered at the hands of war.”
Each year, military and federal law enforcement help protect our country and countless lives. . Whether the fight is overseas in defense or within the states keeping the peace, they are there to uphold what the nation has fought hard to achieve since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – Freedom.
“Today, we pause to honor these American who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we hold so dearly,” said Richardson. “Let us live lives full of courage and sacrifice, service and dedication. Lives worth of their service.”