Princeton’s annual Memorial Day parade is set to kick off at 10 a.m. on May 25, honoring the memories of the American military servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives in battle.
Eugene Marsh, a decorated U.S. Army soldier who was attached to the 101st Airborne Division, will be the keynote speaker. He is the founder of Construction Project Management Services, Inc.
Marsh, who served a tour of duty in Vietnam, will speak about the challenges of his Vietnam War service and the challenges of racism and poverty that he experienced, both before and after his military service.
The parade, which is sponsored by the Spirit of Princeton civic group, will step off at the corner of Nassau Street and Princeton Avenue, and continue on Nassau Street to Monument Hall, formerly known as Princeton Borough Hall.
Among the groups taking part in the parade will be the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment re-enactors and a patriotic bicycle brigade.
Princeton Boy Scout Troop 43, Princeton Cub Scout Pack 43, S.t Paul’s School Cub Scout Pack 1880, and Girl Scout troops from South Brunswick Township and southern and central New Jersey also will march.
The MacGregor Pipe Band, the Colonial Musketeers Fife & Drum Corps, the Burlington City High School “Blue Devils” marching band and Hightstown High School’s “Rams” marching band will provide the music for the parade.
The Princeton Police Department and its color guard will march, as well as the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, the Princeton Fire Department and Princeton Engine Co. No. 1’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Following the parade, the Princeton Battlefield Society will sponsor a “living history” event at the Princeton Battlefield State Park at 500 Mercer St., between noon and 4 p.m.
The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment will set up a typical American Revolutionary War era military camp, with demonstrations of the cooking and domestic activities of camp followers.
The re-enactors will organize a display of tactical formations and drills, and re-enact the Battle of Princeton – complete with muskets and cannon. They will march, load and fire volleys from their rifles.
For more information about the parade, which will be held rain or shine, visit Spirit of Princeton’s website at www.spiritofprinceton.org.
