Avalon Remembers Sacrifices of Nation’s Fallen Veterans May 27

AVALON — Sun-drenched skies and mild spring temperatures greeted several hundred Avalon residents and visitors as the Borough held a Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on May 27. The ceremony was hosted by American Legion Post 331 (Stone Harbor/Avalon) and by Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi.
The event culminated a busy weekend of activities throughout Avalon.
The parade stepped off at 9 a.m. at 32nd Street and Dune Drive and proceeded northbound on Dune Drive to Veterans Plaza, at 21st Street and Dune Drive. The parade featured many of the service and community organizations in the Borough of Avalon, and included fire trucks and an Atlantic City Jitney. The new Seven Mile Jitney service ran evenings on Friday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and passenger numbers on the Jitneys were strong.
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi delivered his annual Memorial Day address. “We shall not forget the real reason why we are gathered here today. Memorial Day is all about the ultimate sacrifice paid by brave men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today…for the ability to have a summer at the Jersey Shore, and spend time with our families and friends. They sacrificed their own summer vacations, holidays, family gatherings, and careers in order to keep America safe, and the greatest country in the world…in the past, present, and of course, the future.”
Pagliughi also introduced Avalon’s special guest speaker, U.S. Army Co.l Dr. Kenneth Graf. He re-enlisted in the Army two years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the United States. Graf was 59 when he re-enlisted and he performed his duties as a surgeon in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
American Legion Post 331 Commander Kevin Coyle delivered remarks during the ceremony the Post also conducted a rifle salute and “Taps” was played to honor the men and women who lost their lives while protecting America’s freedom.