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Parade of Wreaths ceremony planned at Joint Base

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Paula A. Paige
  • 87th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  The 87th Air Base Wing and the Thomas B. McGuire Foundation will commemorate Memorial Day with the 25th annual Parade of Wreaths ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m. on May 21 at Pudgy Circle on McGuire Air Force Base.

The New Jersey Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold and the North Hanover Township School Chorus will perform at this year's Parade of Wreaths service. Beyond the featured wreath-layered ceremony, the event will feature a guest speaker, the presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross to the grand-nephew of a fallen hero, a 21-gun salute, and a three-ship flyover, to include a KC-10, C-17 and KC-135.

After the ceremony, a post-reception gathering will be held at the Club on McGuire.

"Attending a Parade of Wreaths dedication allows for the base, community and family members of fallen heroes to come together as one in reflecting and paying tribute," said Lt. Col. Joseph Miggins, project officer for this year's event. Colonel Miggins, who works full time as the flight commander of Physical Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging at the 87th Medical Operations Squadron, and is also the unit's deputy commander said, "To maintain freedom as we know it, we must remain vigil on many points. One of these is never forgetting that every year a few will make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to be free and safe. For this, they are heroes because they were present for duty when we, the nation and the future of our children, needed them most."

Officially proclaimed May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan, to honor those who who died during the Civil War, flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, Memorial Day is recognized on the last Monday in May because of an act passed by Congress.

In case of inclement weather, the alternate location for the ceremony is Hangar 3211. Base personnel may park in the chapel parking lot and take a bus over to Pudgy Circle between 9:30 a.m. and 10:05 a.m. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the location of the service.

McGuire's main gate will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 20 and May 21 for rehearsal and the event activities. Individuals wishing to access McGuire AFB, should use the Arnold Gate by the McGuire Shoppette and Broidy Gates by the Base Exchange and Commissary.

For more information, call Colonel Miggins at (609) 754-9477.