Veteran’s Day Parade to be held in Toms River

TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP- The Mayor is reminding everyone in Ocean County to bring family and friends out to the Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony.  Held on Friday, November 11th, Toms River Township Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher says, “Please show your support and express gratitude to the American Veterans of the Armed Services.”  Schools are not in session that day, “So hopefully we’ll see a lot of younger people enjoying the parade and then learning a lit bit of the history of Veteran’s Day at the following ceremony,” Kelaher adds.

Similar to the Halloween Parade route, the Ocean County Veteran’s Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Toms River Shopping Center on Rt. 37, proceeding south on Main Street (Route 166) and then east onto Washington Street.  After the parade, there will be a ceremony held outside Toms River’s Town Hall at 33 Washington Street.  A commemorative salute will begin at the 11th hour, at the 11th minute on the 11th day of November, which signifies the end of World War I, originally known as Armistice Day.

The Grand Marshals leading off the parade are Aircraft Commander Robert “Bob ” Larned and Command Sergeant Major Charles J. Thomas from the New Jersey National Guard.

Ken Langdon, Chair for the parade, says that parade goers can expect to see some of the Toms River Intermediate and High School Marching Bands, several civic organizations such as the Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore and the American Legion Post 129, as well as a showcase of vintage cars.

The post-parade ceremony will feature speakers and honored guests, including a placing of the wreath on the Veteran’s monument.

The Toms River Veteran’s Commission recently held an essay contest for the Toms River Intermediate and High Schools.  The essay question asked students, “Are you proud of your country?”  The winners were chosen and read their essays aloud at the Council meeting on Oct. 25th.  To see the photos of the winners, please check the Township website at www.tomsrivertownship.com.

For more information, contact the Toms River Township Veterans Commission via the Council office at 732-341-1000 ext. 8201.