By Marie Pfeifer
Saturday’s 29th annual Memorial Day Parade in Morris Plains featured 14 bands, military- and fire and rescue trucks, a cavalcade of animals from cows to llamas, clowns, and the Batmobile, under bright sunshine.
But Grand Marshal Larry Ripley urged everyone to remember: “The reason we commemorate this day annually is for those who served before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great country.”
When Ripley’s horse-drawn circus wagon arrived at the reviewing stand, he jumped off and scrambled to the microphone to announce the parade, as he has done for years.
Ripley was lauded for efforts as parade master of ceremonies, and for his tireless work on the Morris Plains Blood Bank. He also serves as governor of Rotary District 7470 in northern New Jersey.
Another highlight was Robin the Boy Wonder, a.k.a. 7-year-old Joey Clayton of Rockaway, whose brave battle against a brain tumor earned him a seat next to Batman in the Batmobile.
Photos by Marie Pfeifer
The parade was preceded by the annual Memorial Day service at Robert’s Garden, which opened with the National Anthem performed by the Morris Plains Borough School Band under the direction of Richard Hilton.
Speakers included Art Grant, Vietnam Veteran Post Commander of V.F.W. Post 3401, and Mayor Frank J. Druetzler, resplendent as always in his Uncle Sam costume.
After winding down Speedwell Avenue, the parade ended at the VFW for hot dogs and family fun.
