FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend and reminds residents that while most County offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the national holiday, all County parks and golf courses will be open.

“This weekend especially, we should all do something to honor our veterans,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “Attend a parade or a memorial service for our veterans. Or, maybe we can do something to bigger to help our veterans. Right now, Ivan Stoltzfus, a farmer from Pennsylvania, is traveling across the country to raise money and awareness for wounded warriors.”

Stolzfus began his journey in Manasquan and will drive a tractor all the way to DelNorte County, California. He is wearing a Monmouth County pin to remind him where his journey started.

“His dedication and determination serves as a reminder of the importance of the sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families and I commend him for his worthy efforts,” said Burry.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.  

 

“Memorial Day is also the time to remember our brave men and women currently serving in the military,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich. “Their sacrifices protect our freedom, safety and quality of life and so I ask you to please take time this weekend to honor those who serve us.”

Memorial Day is celebrated nationally at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the president or vice president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Memorial Day is an important holiday for our nation and Monmouth County,” said Freeholder John P. Curley. “The Monmouth County Veterans Services Office serves those who have given so much - whether it's the solider returning home from war, retirees, families, and even future servicemen and women.”

The Veteran's Services Office helps our military apply for service-connected compensation and pension benefits.

The County’s Veterans Services Office provides referral services for a wide variety of counseling. The County encourages those who know of individuals, groups or businesses that provide services or benefits for veterans and their families to contact the County Veterans Service Office at 3000 Kozloski Rd., Freehold or call 732-683-8675.

“This summer kick-off weekend, we need to recognize the American spirit and ultimate public service by honoring those who have given their all in service to our country,” Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “We ask that everyone take a moment to remember, reflect and honor the freedoms American soldiers have fought for and continue to protect today.”

The Freeholders also suggest that another way to honor those who served or are currently serving in the military is to attend a local Memorial Day parade. For more information, go to visitmonmouth.com to find a list of events to celebrate Memorial Day in Monmouth County.

“This Memorial Day, I ask you to remember those veterans who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “There are numerous ways to honor our veterans locally. You can visit the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and Vietnam Era Museum in Holmdel, which honors New Jersey veterans who died serving our country.”

 

Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

By the late 1800s, communities began to observe Memorial Day and, after World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who had died in all of America’s wars.