JB MDL Parade of Wreaths honors the fallen

Published May 27, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst observed Memorial Day with the annual Parade of Wreaths ceremony in cooperation with the Thomas B. McGuire Foundation and the New Jersey State Police May 22, 2014, at Tommy B's Community Activities Center here.

Event participants from military and police organizations laid wreathes to commemorate all service members and police personnel who have given their lives to preserve freedom, while observing Memorial Day and National Police.

Each wreath was created by a different organization with wreathes for all five service branches, N.J. State Police, local businesses, professional organizations and more.

"I volunteered to carry the Air Force Sergeants Association wreath because I wanted to honor the Air Force and other military branches," said Senior Airman Derek Barrett, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrician. "It's not a one-team fight and it was humbling to represent the unity between the military branches and police."

Walt Tafe, former 305th Air Mobility Wing command chief and Burlington County Military Affairs Committee executive director, reflected similar thoughts as he gave a guest speech about the significance of the Parade of Wreaths. He recounted the Parade of Wreaths at JB MDL in 2003 where he had several eye-opening experiences.

"I talked to a father of a 26-year-old service member whose only prayer was that his country not forget his son's sacrifice," said Tafe. "I discovered 48 officers had already been lost in service that year. What can I say of the service members and police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice? Only two words; thank you."

Essay contest winners followed Tafe by reading essays that answered the topical question, "what does Memorial Day mean to you.

"We fly our flags at half-mast on Memorial Day to pay tribute to the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons and daughters," said Alyssa Blachmire, Upper Elementary School fifth-grade student and daughter of Tech. Sgt. Dennis Blachmire, 305th Aerial Port Squadron. "The families affected are what I think of on Memorial Day."

Community members and participants gathered in the rear of the hall after the ceremonies to socialize and share experiences and opinions of Memorial Day.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to build relationships with these military members serving our country," said Dana Lancellotti, Ocean County Freeholders and JB MDL honorary commander. "I came here to pay my respects as well as pay respects on behalf of other freeholders Joe Vicari and Jerry Little."