Flags lowered, fallen honored on Memorial Day

American Legion Post 252 and Monroe Township Community Affairs will host the annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 25, with a parade set to begin 11 a.m.

The route will begin at Our Lady of Peace Parish, proceed up South Main Street and end at the township’s Veteran Plaza. The event is being organized by the post’s Walter Schaefer and his wife Janet. He handles the veterans’ side of things and she organizes the parade.

The community affairs department oversees issues like road closures and signage.

“We have different speakers set for the event like different vets, the mayor will speak and a Boy Scout will talk about the importance of Memorial Day,” Walter explained. “I get a hold of the high-school’s band to participate. It has to do with memorializing all the soldiers that gave their lives in different wars.”

For veterans, the day begins at 6 a.m. as they team up with members of Williamstown High’s Air Force JROTC program to visit 11 cemeteries around town and honor the vets buried at each. Flags are raised and lowered, “Taps” is played and there is a 21-gun salute.

“It gets emotional when you hear ‘Taps,’ the national anthem and ‘Amazing Grace,'” Walter noted.

Members of the American Legion, its auxiliary unit and members of emergency services are also expected.

“We support the veterans of our township,” said community affairs supervisor Brandee Derieux. “It’s a pleasure to help them every year.”

Veterans Plaza honors those who gave their lives for their country and those who served, from World War I to Afghanistan. Wreathes will be placed at the plaza with descriptions of what each one represents. After the service, attendees are invited to the American Legion for food and beverages.

“It’s a nice way to bring the community together,” Janet related. “It’s an amazing day. We will have a grand marshal and a 90-year-old Coast Guard veteran named Bill Morrison, who’s an active member of the American Legion.

“Each year just gets bigger and bigger.”