For the last 10 years, I have participated in the Freehold Borough Memorial Day parade with the privilege of driving Alice McCobb, the parade chair and coordinator, at the very end. Thus, I get to witness the entire parade from Brinckerhoff Avenue and Main Street. If you were not along the route on May 30, you missed a grand parade.
This parade celebrates our veterans and those who gave their lives to keep our country safe; veterans who sacrificed much and returned to be pillars of our communities. However, this parade is also about the future with the volunteers and youth of our communities.
It was inspiring to see how many of our neighbors and their children are actively involved in 4-H, FFA, ROTC, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, first aid, firefighting, EMT and their auxiliaries, high school bands, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and children who decorated their floats.
There are too many organizations to specifically mention, but all these volunteers give of their time and are helping our young people to become responsible adult citizens, volunteers and leaders. These children are the future.
If you missed this year’s parade, come out next Memorial Day and applaud all of them. The Parade Committee sponsors parade nights during the year at various venues in our community where a portion of your check goes toward keeping this parade great. Patronize these events and the businesses that support them. Support your local fire and first aid departments during their annual appeal. Like the veterans did, they work to keep us safe. Get involved. It is your town.
Alice McCobb and her committee deserve many accolades for keeping this wonderful tradition alive. It was a wonderful parade from start to finish. Alice will tell you, “It doesn’t rain on my parade.” You are right, Alice, Mother Nature would not think of raining on this beautiful 142-year tradition. Like clockwork, the rain stopped and clouds separated, giving way to sunshine and a gentle breeze; perfection for a grand parade.
Doris M. Wysocki
Freehold Township
