Sun shines on Morris Plains service and parade to honor fallen heroes

By Ellen S. Willkowe

It did not rain on this parade.

The sun broke through for the red, white and blue Saturday for Morris Plains’ 39th annual Memorial Day service and parade.

“The sirens sound two times a year,” said Mayor Jason Karr. “The start of the Memorial Day service and for 9/11.”

Flags lined the streets of the Borough as did residents of all ages, some with children in tow, many with patriotic attire on full display.

The service at Roberts Garden was conducted by members of Morris Plains VFW Watnong Post #3401 and Denville American Legion Post 390.

Future Marines were on hand, dressed in t-shirts proclaiming: “We don’t accept applications, only commitments.” The Civil Air Patrol was there too, as were fire, rescue and law enforcement organizations.

While the sun commanded the sky, the traditional military jet flyover did not.

“Due to air traffic control issues, the flyover has been canceled this year,” said Karr. “We are disappointed but completely understand.”

This year’s Grand Marshall was the Rev. Donald Brown of the Morris Plains Presbyterian Church, which is celebrating 150 years in the borough.

Slideshow photos by Dave Sullivan, video by Kevin Coughlin for Morristown Green:

“The Presbyterian Church moved to Speedwell Avenue in 1923 and continues to grow every year,” said Karr, citing its ministries, community engagement, the Joyful Noise nursery school, and its handbell ringing group, a winner at Morristown Onstage back in March.

Karr also recognized parade organizers including Chairman Steve Welsh; Gary and Marcia Windt; former Morris Plains Mayor “Uncle Frank” Druetzler, decked out in his signature Uncle Sam costume; Donna Karr, Sal Cortese and Barbara Fisher.

Council members Bill Houston, Nancy Verga, Art Bruhn Jr. and Michael Ivey were on hand, as was Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor. Other officials attending included Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, county Prosecutor Robert Carroll,  state Assemblyman Jay Weber, a representative from Congresswoman Mikie Sherill’s office, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, and county Commissioners Stephen Shaw and Thomas Mastrangelo.

Karr also paid respects to longtime borough resident, library volunteer and former planning board member Sydney Joan Leach, who passed away earlier this year.

The ceremony opened with the raising of the flag to half-staff by Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski and Officer Nicholas Grawehr. The Borough School band played The Star Spangled Banner.

Guest speaker Jim Auriemma, past commander of VFW Watnong Post #3401 in Morris Plains, delivered a message of sacrifice, courage and honor.

He highlighted the bond formed among comrades serving the country, and the pride of wearing the uniform to defend our way of life.

“We would cling to the one thing that gave us some peace and strength,” he said. And that was that we would return home to the loving embrace of our friends, families and the community we love, and for me it was Morris Plains.”

He also paid homage to soldiers who witnessed and survived the horrors of war.

“These veterans bear the scars of war,” he said. “And they live with this on a daily basis.” Members from several local and civic organizations placed wreaths around a symbolic grave to honor the fallen.

The parade drew a good crowd along Speedwell Avenue. Households along Mountain Way and Rosedale Avenue overflowed with friends and neighbors.

Even members of the Morris Democratic and Morris Republican clubs marched in harmony. Plus, it’s always a party when the Geico Gecko comes to town, as well as Smokey the Bear and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Music filled the streets, courtesy of 15 bands, including the Denville String Band, the Morristown High School Marching Colonials, and the Morris County Police Pipes and Drums. Classic car enthusiasts were treated to a procession of wheels from the distant past, with Sheriff Gannon leading the way. Meanwhile, the Rev. Brown also traveled in old-fashioned style, in a horse-drawn carriage.

The parade made its way to the VFW Watnong Post, where volunteers served hot dogs and birch beer and kids romped on an inflatable slide and admired ponies.

It’s Morris County’s largest Memorial Day parade, and Welsh hinted at an even bigger combined celebration next year, marking the parade’s 40th anniversary and the Borough’s 100th year.

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