FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 22, 2009

Monmouth County remembers those who served
County offices will be closed on Monday 
in observance of Memorial Day

 FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend and reminds residents that most county offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. All county parks and golf courses will be open.
 
“As many of us enjoy a three-day weekend, we must also remember American spirit and public service to country by honoring those who have given their all in service to our country,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “We ask that everyone take a moment to remember, reflect and honor the freedoms American soldiers have fought for and continue to protect today.”
 
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.
 
It 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 a occasion for honoring those who had died in all of America’s wars.
 
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.

In Monmouth County, a number of communities will hold parades and other remembrance activities.  Below is a list of some of those events:

NJ Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony, Holmdel  – Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
Allentown Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Asbury Park – Firemen’s Service – Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.
Veteran’s Service – Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.
Beach Fireworks – Sunday, May 24, dusk
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade – Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.
Eatontown Memorial Day Service – Monday, May 25, 10:30 a.m.
Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 2 p.m.
Freehold Borough & Township Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Hazlet Memorial Day Services – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Holmdel Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 25, 10:30 a.m.
Keyport Memorial Day Parade – Saturday, May 23, 2 p.m.
Matawan Memorial Day Parade – Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m.
Middletown Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Neptune Twp. and Ocean Grove Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Ocean Township Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
Rumson Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Spring Lake Heights Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 25, 9 a.m.
Tinton Falls Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.
West Long Branch Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.

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