A Hometown Tribute in Middle Township Mirrors Others

COURT HOUSE — Middle Township, like countless municipalities across America, marked Memorial Day 2009 with a parade, speeches, and patriotic music as well as tributes to fallen veterans.
The local event was sponsored by Middle Township Committee and American Legion Thurston Elmer Wood Post 198.
Grand Marshal of the parade through town was Paul Greenland of Rio Grande, a veteran of the World War II Battle of the Bulge, and one of 10 surviving members of the local Southern Jersey Chapter of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.
Elder Larry Matthews, associate pastor of Christ Gospel Church, Whitesboro delivered the Invocation and Benediction.
Minnie Callender was mistress of ceremonies. Her late husband, Rudy, was a veteran who long participated in the Memorial Day ceremony.
Prior to the arrival of the official party on the lawn of the Legion post, the John A. Walters Community Band, under direction of Richard Ludwig, retired Middle Township High School music and band director, provided a medley of patriotic songs for the waiting crowd.
After the National Anthem was played by the Walters and Middle Township High School Panther Marching Band, Sarah Jo Ballman sang “God Bless America.” She also later sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Brief remarks were delivered by Middle Township Committeeman Steve Barry, Mayor F. Nathan Doughty, Committeewoman Susan Delanzo, and Assemblyman Matthew Milam (D-1st).
Winners of the American Legion Essay Contest, on the subject “What Memorial Day Means to Me,” then read their work. They included first place winner, Emily Hall, second place winner Akilah McPherson and third place sinner William Neill.
American Legion Auxiliary member Peg Dougherty then recited “In Flanders Field.”
Floral wreaths were placed at the memorial monument, and a salute to the deceased was rendered by veterans and Auxiliary members.
A memorial tribute was also rendered to fallen Marines at the traffic island adjacent to the Legion post, which memorializes L cpl George Dramis, for whom the Dramis Detachment Marine Corps League is named.
After a high school musician played Taps, and the Benediction was given, the event concluded with refreshments in the legion home.