Longtime resident Brandon Pugh can’t recall ever missing Moorestown’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
“To have the opportunity to speak to you today, and on the 40th anniversary, is not an honor or a privilege I take lightly,” Pugh said to attendees at Memorial Field on May 25. “None of us would be here today if it were not for Gold Star Mother Judith Young, who took over the program in 1986.
“It’s important to understand what Memorial Day is about,” Pugh added.
To do that, he highlighted what the holiday is not: a day to recognize veterans, meaning those who currently serve, and the kickoff to summer.
“Of course, we can be appreciative of that service and we should be, but specific days are reserved for those individuals,” Pugh explained. “Memorial Day is about those who not only served our nation, but made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so during peacetime and war …
“Those who made the ultimate sacrifice we look to as heroes.”
Memorial Day, Pugh noted, is not just the unofficial start of summer, and he encouraged others to remember the fallen at the township ceremony. But he also cited the millions who’ve taken military oaths to serve as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
“Those individuals have come from all backgrounds: farmers in the Midwest, doctors and attorneys from the Northeast and neighbors and friends from Moorestown, along with those who serve part time in our National Guard and Reserve Forces,” Pugh stated.
“Differences in background, finance and status simply do not matter to the fallen, he added. “What did matter was a commitment to a cause greater than themselves.”
Many of those who died during service had their lives ahead of them, Pugh noted. Some had families and babies at home, others had kids on the way and some had just graduated high school. About 1.3 million men and women never made it home, he said.
And each deceased service member left a family and legacy behind.
“We must continue to honor those left behind, who also paid a personal price, specifically our Gold Star families,” Pugh maintained. “For those families, including some that are with us today, we’re humbled by your sacrifice and inspired by your resilience.
“Memorial Day is not a specific date and time for (families), but rather something as lasting without their loved one.”
To conclude the township ceremony, Pugh asked attendees not to forget the fallen and encouraged them to take a moment and learn about someone who made that ultimate sacrifice. He also asked that participants join the National Moment of Remembrance, a call to pause at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank each and every one of you for being here today,” Pugh acknowledged. “There are many things you could be doing, but you elected to attend and reflect on those who died protecting each and every one of us.
“Let’s jointly remember our nation’s heroes today and never forget what they did for us.”
Councilman Chris Keating (left to right), Moorestown residents Alan and Brooke Van Saun and Brandon Pugh, Councilman James Barry, Mayor Quinton Law, Councilwoman Sue Mammarella and Councilman Tom Bader at Memorial Field on May 25.
