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Parade of Wreaths ceremony pays tribute to fallen servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the Thomas B. McGuire Foundation and the New Jersey State Police commemorated Memorial Day with the 26th annual Parade of Wreaths ceremony here May 27 at Pudgy Circle.

Brig. Gen. Timothy Zadalis, 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force commander, and Col. Joseph Fuentes, New Jersey State Police superintendent, were honorary guest speakers to discuss the importance of Memorial Day.

The ceremony also featured a KC-10 Extender flyover from the 305th Air Mobility Wing, the New Jersey State Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold and the North Hanover Townships School District children's choir.

Participants in the ceremony laid wreaths as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. More than 40 wreaths were placed around Pudgy Circle. Servicemembers from all branches of the armed forces, retirees, family members and local police officers participated in the wreath laying.

"Sometimes being in the military seems like just another job," said Airman 1st Class Randall Winchester, 305th Maintenance Squadron, precision measurement equipment laboratory apprentice. "The ceremony is a great refresher about the importance of what we're doing and makes me appreciative of what others before us have sacrificed."

Gen. John Logan officially proclaimed Memorial Day May 5, 1868 to honor those who died during the Civil War. Flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

"Throughout our nation's brief history, millions have proudly worn the uniform and thousands have given their last full measure of devotion," said Zadalis. "Memorial Day is not a day for us, but is a day for us to remember."

Memorial Day is celebrated across the U.S. in remembrance of all servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedoms this country has today.