3. Memorial Day Parade & Neighborhood Picnics
1919 Ford Model T Coupe follwed by Veterans
May 30, 2011 – Memorial Day – Mountain Lakes commemorated Memorial Day with a parade of veterans, boy scouts, girl scouts, school bands, Wildwood bicyclists and others marched from the Wildwood School to Memorial Park. A highlight was the procession of cars from each decade which showed the automotive evolution that paralleled the 100 year history of the Borough. MLHS Valedictorian Isabelle Laurenzi and Salutatorian Madeline Hu enjoyed an honorary ride in a classic red convertible.
Jen Danziger leads the ML Community Band
Following the parade, Lakers gathered at Memorial Park for a ceremony of remembrance and appreciation of those who fought for U.S. freedom. Special tribute was paid to former Laker, Brigadier General Frederick Walker Castle (October 14, 1908–December 24, 1944), the only Mountain Lakes resident ever to have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Brig. Gen. F.W. Castle served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and was killed leading a bombing mission in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Grand Marshall Suzannah Glidden, niece of Brig. Gen. F.W. Castle, gave a touching speech about her ‘Uncle Freddy.’
Grand Marshall Suzannah Glidden
The mournful sounds of both the drum and bagpipe corps and the MLHS student band, and the inspiring rendition of the National Anthem performed by sisters Michele and Lauren Currenti, added to the reverential mood surrounding the ceremony.
Two Lakers were also recognized for their extraordinary service to the Borough. Kenneth Stokes was honored as the 2011 Citizen of the Year for his service on the Board of Education and his years of dedication to the volunteer fire department and Lisa Shohen was awarded the Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Community Service Award for her commitment to the Girl Scouts in Mountain Lakes.
After the parade, Lakers wandered down to the Esplanade for the festive Mountain Lakes Day- Hundreds enjoyed the warm sunshine, 1950s music, rides, games, food and more.
As part of the celebration, the Centennial Neighborhoods hosted the first ever “Barbeque on the Esplanade.” There were 23 barbequed or grilled entries in four categories: chicken, pork, beef or fish dish. For more information, go to the BBQ page.
For more photos, click here for slideshows for Memorial Day parade, Memorial Day ceremony, and Mountain Lakes Day.
Themocracy
There is usually some commemorative speeches on Memorial Day. Could you please tell me at what time these are given and the address?
Thanks,
Trudy
This year the Memorial Day parade will include 100 years of cars and people. As usual it will be held in the morning. The afternoon will be the traditional Mountain Lakes Day.