Memorial Day Observed, Sacrifices Remembered

A collection of photos from Memorial Day Services and Parades in Cape May County.
Posted by Cape May County Herald Newspapers on Tuesday, May 26, 2015
NORTH WILDWOOD – A soft breeze wafted over the Hereford Inlet on the morning of May 25 – flags, hanging off many porches and homes, rustled in the wind while the Atlantic sparkled in the sunshine. Members of the North Wildwood VFW Post 5941 gathered outside the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse at 9:30 a.m. to honor those who never came home.
Many of the members fought in the Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam, yet more recent members include those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Separated by age, battlefields and battle strategies, the brotherhood, and for some, sisterhood, of Post 5941 presented a united front as the ceremony unfolded.
Joseph A. Orlando, Commander of the Post, welcomed everyone who attended. “We’ve had 14 members pass this year,” Orlando said during his opening statements. Orlando then called upon the post’s chaplain to pray – his prayer included these profound words: “All gave some, some gave all.”
After the color guard led the gathering in the pledge of allegiance, the names of those who died on distant shores were read aloud, accompanied by the lowering of the flag. The familiar strains of Taps followed the reading, its solemn notes filled the air and several in attendance openly wept. However, handshakes and smiles began the procession to Spruce Avenue and the second service.
Held at the Memorial, the second service received a large attendance; emerald kilts, military khaki, police blues, and plenty of red, white and blue created a kaleidoscope of textures and colors. “Thank you for coming – this is one of the largest gatherings we’ve had in years,” Commander Joseph Orlando opened the service.
Orlando went on to remark on how the years of peace compare with those of warfare. Orlando reminded the crowd that the U.S. military’s primary goal is “to keep the peace.”
After a moment of prayer, Dolly McGee asked everyone to join her in singing the Star-Spangled Banner.
A memorial wreath, presented to Orlando by Alexander Mouklas, long-time VFW member and navy veteran of World War II, was laid at the memorial in silent tribute to those who gave “the last full measure of devotion.” War is never an easy choice, yet the decision they made was honored in North Wildwood and across the nation. Commander Orlando publically thanked the North Wildwood police and fire departments, the recreation department, and dignitaries who support the VFW.
Orlando asked Mayor Patrick Rosenello to the podium, introducing him as a “dear friend and true patriot.”
“Despite all the other things, this is what Memorial Day is all about,” said Mayor Patrick Rosenello. “It’s about those who never came home.”
The two services concluded with Orlando explaining the reason for Memorial Day and its impact on us today and for future generations. “Our collective consciousness demands remembrance,” Orlando said. “This is a civic duty.”
In the words of General James A. Garfield, who presided at the first Memorial Day in 1868, “They gave all.”
– By Rachel Rogish
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Cape May County Remembered Its Fallen Veterans During Annual Memorial Day Service
COURT HOUSE – Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton and the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders along with the Cape May County Veterans’ Bureau held the County’s annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25th at the Cape May County Veterans’ Cemetery.
Speakers included Director Thornton, Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi, Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio and Captain Todd Prestidge, Commanding Officer, United States Coast Guard TRACEN, Cape May.
The United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Detail and representatives from Cape May County Veterans’ organizations presented wreaths during the ceremony with the assistance of the Cape May County Civil Air Patrol and the United States Coast Guard Enlisted Association. Volunteers from the Southern Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross served refreshments and members of Cub Scout Troop #65, Cape May Court House, distributed programs.
The Cape May County Veterans’ Cemetery is located at 129 Crest Haven Road, Cape May Court House (Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway).
For additional information, contact the Veterans’ Bureau at 886-2762.
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Wildwood Beach Patrol Observes Memorial Day
WILDWOOD – The Wildwood beach patrol began its Memorial Day observance with the raising of a 25-foot American flag outside the patrol’s Lincoln Avenue headquarters. Lifeguard and Eagle Scout Bill Gushue of Jim Thorpe, Pa. hoisted the flag to the top of its pole.
After raising the flag, members of the Wildwood Beach Patrol traveled to the American Legion Post on Pacific Avenue with the American Legion Lifeguard Boat. Following a ceremony at the American Legion Post 184, members Wildwood Beach Patrol members participated in a parade to from the post to Fox Park and Wildwood’s Vietnam Memorial Wall.
A ceremony was held on the beach near the Wildwoods Convention Center where members of the Wildwood Beach Patrol and the American Legion Honor Guard along with local Boy Scouts laid a wreath in the Atlantic Ocean in remembrance of those men and women who paid the ultimate price in their service to our nation.
Lifeguard brothers Kevin Mallon Jr. and Kyle Mallon, both of Philadelphia rowed two Boy Scouts to just beyond the breaking waves. There the scouts stood in the boat and tossed a wreath into the ocean as a gun salute was fired and Taps were played by the American Legion Honor Guard.
The morning ended with a standing ovation by the crowd of beach patrons who gathered to watch the somber ceremony.
“The Memorial Day ceremony is a long tradition with the beach patrol and helps us begin our season by honoring our veterans, past and present,” said Capt. Ed Schneider of the Wildwood Beach Patrol.
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Coast Guard Training Center, Local Veterans Hold Memorial Day Observance
CAPE MAY – The Coast Guard Training Center Cape May along with members of the Marine Corp League and Veterans of Foreign Wars took time to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to their country in a Memorial Day observance ceremony onboard the training center, Monday.
“Memorial Day is about honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of something greater than themselves,” said Capt. Todd Prestidge, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. “Their sacrafice in order to protect this great nation offers a humbling reminder to what America stands for and to what lengths the men and women of the armed services are willing to go to protect it.”
The Coast Guard Training Center Cape May’s ceremonial staff will provide buglers, a color guard and firing parties at a number of community events in honor of Memorial Day. Senior officials from the training center are also expected to speak at a number of these events.
Capt. Prestidge, a bugler and a color guard will participate in an observance at the Corinthian Yacht Club at 10 a.m.
At 11 a.m., Capt. Prestidge along with a bugler, color guard and firing party will be at the Cape May Convention Center for a ceremony followed later that afternoon at the Cape May County Veterans’ Cemetery in Cape May Court House, N.J., where Prestidge will be a keynote speaker. The ceremonial staff will provide a bugler, color guard and firing party for this event.