Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Veterans Day Parade in Highland Park, NJ – 2015

Veteran's Day Parade in Highland Park, New Jersey
One of the nicest parts of living in Highland Park, New Jersey is the way the little borough celebrates events such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day. This year I was fortunate to be able to attend the Veterans Day Parade in Highland Park, NJ. The parade begins at the dough boy at the corner of Raritan Avenue and Woodbridge Avenue and goes down Raritan Avenue into New Brunswick.

Raritan Avenue
The whole avenue is closed for a few hours as the ceremony takes place at the dough boy, and then the marchers head down the avenue towards New Brunswick.

Rabbi Kaminetsky
Rabbi Kaminetsky (chaplain of the police department and rabbi emeritus of Congregation Ohav Emeth) read something – I think it was called a convocation? at the beginning of the ceremony. A talented teenager my daughter knows sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Gayle Brill Mittler speaks at Veteran's Day Parade
Mayor of Highland Park Gayle Brill Mittler spoke – her speech was posted online on the Highland Park, NJ Facebook page. Here is one piece of her speech: “If you are an employer, hire a veteran. If you own property for rent, seek out a veteran who is looking for a new home. Welcome our veterans back home with more than words and parades.”

Congressman Frank Pallone
Congressman Frank Pallone mentioned in his speech electing politicians that support benefits for veterans.

Jim Polos
Freeholder Jim Polos spoke as well.

dog at Veteran's Day Parade
I really enjoyed this dog who seemed to a spectator at the parade; he and his master were hanging out with the veterans before the parade began.

children at Veteran's Day Parade
There were lots of children at the Veteran’s Day Parade. I think they had school, and they came with their teachers for the parade.

cheerleaders at parade kicking up
This group of cheerleaders seemed to be having a great time at the parade. The Highland Park mascot is an owl.

cheerleaders

I know the Jewish War Veterans were there as well – they were mentioned. You can see a post about the Jewish War Veterans from several years ago, when my son was in eighth grade.

drummers
There was a variety of people gathered – next to these young drummers, you can see older men wearing jackets and stars-and-stripes ties.

Gayle Brill Mittler
Here is Gayle Brill Mittler walking down Raritan Avenue – she and many others were handing out those little U.S. flags. It made the whole atmosphere festive.

New Brunswick
Groups from New Brunswick marched as well.

fire engines
It was neat to watch all those fire engines all lined up.

Have you ever seen a Veterans Day Parade? Do they celebrate and honor veterans where you live?

Jeannette Paladino says

Leora -- your story and images stirred many memories of similar parades in the small town where I grew up on Long Island. I also remember the Fire Department competitions among the many volunteer fire departments on L.I. When it was held in Bellmore, the competition was right down the street from me. I just looked online and these competitions are still being held. A memory from my past.

Reply
Lorri M. says

Thank you so much for sharing these lovely photographs! Each one is a beautiful tribute to the veterans, and to life! I remember viewing parades in the small beach town on Long Island I lived in. My parents would take me and my brother to see them. I loved them, and loved the small town atmosphere that breathed caring and love for all of humanity. These photos take me back to time and place.

Reply

Please leave a comment! I love to hear from you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.