Rain may have cancelled the annual Rutherford Memorial Day Parade, but it did not stop residents from honoring America’s fallen. At 8 am, American Legion Post 109 marched to the Union Avenue Bridge for the ceremonial wreath-toss into the Passaic River. Grand Marshal and Vietnam Veteran Mike Ortez was accompanied by the Rutherford Volunteer First Aid Ambulance Corps., volunteer fire department, police department, borough councilmen and councilwomen, and fellow Rutherfordians to pay respect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. As the rain showered over the crowd, a prayer was read in reverence of the departed valiant men and women of our military. This was followed by a twenty-one-gun salute, and the playing of Taps. Afterwards, the ceremony moved to the flagpole at Sunset Park in which the ritual was repeated. The service concluded at approximately 9:30 am. The American Legion welcomed all to their post on Carmita Avenue to join in remembering our deceased heroes.
Our Squad Members Memorial Day 2016