The city of Newark celebrated Memorial Day by recognizing and saluting all branches of military on the Green and throughout the streets during its 74th annual parade and ceremonies held Sunday afternoon.
Ed Hockersmith, the Master of Ceremonies for the event, began the afternoon by explaining the significance of the State Memorial Ceremony which is the remembrance and honoring of all Delawareans who have defended their country over the years. Hockersmith also expressed gratitude to those who are on active duty and those who have passed away.
Linda Burn, coordinator of the parade and ceremony, said there was one fallen active duty troop this year.
"This is our way of recognizing them for what they have done in order to uphold the freedom of our country," Burns said.
The Green was lined with an assortment of armed forces, mostly veterans, but also new recruits as well. Burns said the highlight this year was the attendance of the United States Coast Guard from the training center of Cape May, NJ. Other participating organizations standing and saluting in front of Memorial Hall included: U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, Korean War Veterans, New Ark Colonial Fife & Drum Corps, Fifes & Drums of the Delaware Militia, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Color Guard, VietNam Veterans, World War II Veterans, the university's Army ROTC and Air Force, and also students from Delaware Military Academy.
Rifle salutes, the presenting of arms, and many unit color guards of the organizations were accompanied with historical songs from various military bands, such as the "Star Spangled Banner." DMA and The Fife & Drum of the Delaware Militia both presented a drill for all those in attendance. Also, there were two cannons fired on the opposing side of Memorial Hall while the events were taking place.
After many years of being part of the committee planning, Burns said that her favorite part of the ceremony are the flags flying, music flowing, and cannons firing.
"I just enjoy the people, I enjoy what they all have done over the years and still represent till this day," Burns said. "This brings me to tears every year."
Senior Danielle Lopez had a small break between her meetings and was immediately attracted to the event she said.
"It just reminds people that there are those that are fighting for us every day," Lopez said. "It gives me a renewed confidence in our country."
Others that looked on during the hour long ceremony were DMA parents such as, Theresa Gross who said she has been attending the event for about seven years now. Even though her child was not enrolled at DMA prior to her event attendance, she said it is what she and her family do to pay their respects all branches of the military.
As the ceremony on the Green came to a close, Hockersmith dismissed the guests and turned the parade leadership position over to Maj. Thomas E. Kelly, USMC retired. He led the marching bands, military units, and community participants to Delaware Avenue where they prepared to march down Main Street.
Newark resident, Deena Santoro said she does not come from a military family background but has been attending the event for seven years now also.
"I come just to show the support to everyone involved, and I enjoy watching the veterans but also the young, new recruits stand and represent," Santoro said. "It's amazing how many younger kids are still signing up."
Santoro also expressed her desire for more people to attend the actual ceremony. She said the attendance gets smaller every year.
Next year marks the 75th annual Memorial Day festivities for the committee. Burns said she hopes to have three generations of military standing shoulder to shoulder on the Green next year.
Burns gave recognition to the university as well for all of the help in preparing the ceremony. "The university is extremely supportive of everything we have here," Burns said. "This is the city of Newark at its best."
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