Over the last three decades it’s evolved into one of the most colorful parades anywhere. And Saturday’s 31st annual edition of the Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade lived up to its reputation.
There were alpacas and sheep and horses, and glistening antique cars, and howitzers, too.
In all, some 91 bands, organizations, and groups marched through the streets, while an estimated crowd of 2,000 people cheered them at this signature event of the “Community of Caring.”
“It gets better and better every year. I’m thrilled!” commented Mayor Frank Druetzler, who handed out U.S. flags while bedecked in a red-white-and-blue costume that made him look more like Uncle Sam than Uncle Sam himself.
Grand Marshal Tina Cecala, former coach of the Morris
Plains Marlins swim team, remembered her father who served in World War II, as well as her grandfather in World War I.
“It was a very nice tribute,” Coach Cecala said after a memorial service in Roberts Garden, prior to the parade.
Wreaths were arrayed around a symbolic soldier’s grave by local organizations. A rifle salute by VFW Post 3401 and Denville American Legion Post 390 echoed across the garden.
Slideshow photos of ceremony by Jeff Sovelove
“The Community of Caring will not forget our defenders,” Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-26th Dist) told the gathering.
“Today we remember those that sacrifice their tomorrows so we can enjoy today,” Druetzler reminded everyone, paraphrasing Vietnam veteran Art Grant, a borough resident who spoke at many veterans functions.
Grant passed away in February at age 74. His widow Carol attended the ceremony.
A week of menacing weather cleared up for the parade, as if it were following orders.
“It never rains in Morris Plains,” the Mayor noted with a laugh.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (r-11th Dist.) was scheduled to speak, but did not attend, said parade Chairman Steve Welsh.
Dylan Quattro and Conor Lenehan of the Morristown High School Marching Colonials played Taps on their trumpets. The Morris Plains Borough School Band concluded the ceremony with God Bless America.
Slideshow photos of parade by Jeff Sovelove
Larry Ripley, director of the Morris Plains Community Band, once again introduced parade participants from his emcee perch in the reviewing stand, across from the train station on Speedwell Avenue.
Perennial favorites included the Denville String Band, festooned in feathers and neon colors that made its members stand out even in a parade full of standouts.
“We are a group of people who enjoy playing music together,” explained the band’s manager, Jim Casella.
It costs about $25,000 to throw a parade of this size. The borough contributes $8,000, and the rest comes from sponsors and ad sales in the parade program booklet, said Welsh, the parade chairman, who ranked this year’s parade in his top five.
Welsh hasn’t had a Memorial Weekend getaway for 31 years. But he wasn’t complaining after Saturday’s extravaganza, as people munched hot dogs and enjoyed kiddie activities at the VFW.
“While everyone else is down at the beach, we’re here having fun,” he said.
Emma Piascik is a senior at Morristown High School, and a former swimmer for Coach Cecala at the YMCA. She will attend Lafayette College in the fall. Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report.
Slideshow photos by Dave Sullivan