Middle Township Remembers Fallen Veterans

COURT HOUSE – Grand marshals of Middle Township’s Memorial Day Parade were World War II veterans Gus Epple, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and Nick Cooney, a torpedo bomber. They were saluted, as were all veterans present, at the annual commemoration in the Cape May County seat.
As in years past, the ceremony was held at the Thurston Elmer Wood Post 198, American Legion after a parade through town ended there.
Wreathes were placed by Post 198 Commander James Lewis, Auxiliary Department Vice President Charlene McConnville and Mayor Daniel Lockwood. McConnville read “In Flanders Field.”
Members of the John A. Walters Community Band and Middle Township Panther Marching Band provided music. Evan Weatherby played “Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Firing squad from the legion post rendered a volley after wreathes were placed at the Hand Avenue monument to deceased township veterans and members of the Lance Cpl. George Dramis Detachment, Marine Corps League, placed on in Dramis’ memory at the traffic island.
Miss Outstanding Teen New Jersey Alyssa Sullivan sang “God Bless America” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Fifth grade essay winners, Naomi Aigbogun, first place, Riley Rekuc, second place, and Lilly Springer, third place, read their works on “What Memorial Day Means to Me.”
Briefly addressing the gathering was Mayor Lockwood, Deputy Mayor Timothy Donohue, and Committeewoman Susan DeLanzo. Freeholder E. Marie Hayes recalled how she learned of war when her brother returned home from Vietnam, when no one except the family was there to greet him, and he never talked about the war.
Pastor Chip Northup of First Cape May Baptist Church delivered the invocation and Benediction.