Monday: Madison Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony

The Borough of Madison, in conjunction with American Legion Frank Patterson Post 43, is scheduled to hold its annual Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony on Monday to honor those who died serving in the military.

Opening ceremonies will begin at on Madison Avenue at 9 a.m. and the Memorial Day parade will step off from Condurso Park, at the intersection of Main Street and Park Avenue in Madison, at 9:30 a.m., according to an announcement for the event.

The parade will march down Main Street to Prospect Avenue, and conclude with a solemn remembrance ceremony on the steps of the historic on Kings Road, the announcement says. 

The parade will feature hundreds of marchers, including color guards from the American Legion and , commemorative floats, the Revolutionary War reenactment unit Daniel Morgan's rifle company and John Lamb's artillery company, bands, military vehicles, motorcycles, fire engines, antique cars, veterans, scouts, clergy, local dignitaries and community organizations.

New to the parade this year will be representatives of the local and , which provide programs for veterans, active military and their families.

The remembrance ceremony will include a wreath laying by members of the Madison Girl Scouts, recitation of the honor roll of the dead, and a military gun salute to the fallen heroes. The day is intended as a reminder that freedom isn't free, even now, and of our obligation to live lives that honor the terrible sacrifice of those who pay the ultimate price of war for our sake, and care for their surviving family members, the announcement says.

Parade participants will assemble in the parking lot at 8:45 a.m. for direction to their assigned staging areas. Veterans who wish to march in the parade should assemble at James Park for pre-parade ceremonies at 9 a.m.

World War II veteran and distinguished Madison resident Jerome "Bud" Holzman will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade.  Officers of our local National Guard unit, the 112 field artillery, will deliver the keynote address. 

Hot dogs will be served by the Madison Fire Department following the remembrance ceremony.

All are invited to attend.