Service, parade to honor war heroes
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

FREEHOLD - Honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in war has always been the intent of the Memorial Day parade in Freehold Borough.

With help from local businesses and private donations, the 133rd Memorial Day parade, the oldest parade in western Monmouth County, will be able to do that once again on May 28 at 10 a.m.

The parade's status seemed in doubt earlier this year due to a lack of funds. As it turned out, a letter campaign and other fundraising projects solicited more than enough to ensure the continuation of a Freehold tradition.

Before the festivities, floats, fire trucks and marching bands kick into gear, a memorial service to honor all those who died in wars fought by the United States will take place at Elks Point, East Main Street, at 8:45 a.m.

The parade will be led by grand marshals Frederick Taurek and William J. Brown.

Taurek served as a mechanics technician and fought in Germany during World War II. He received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement for ground operations against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations. He was honored by France in 2006 to denote France's gratitude for the contribution of the United States in the liberation of France during World War II.

Brown, a retired tech sergeant, is also a veteran of World War II who fought in Germany. During the war Brown was hit by exploding shrapnel, injuring his shoulder and neck. He was taken prisoner, received treatment and eventually underwent surgery for removal of the shrapnel. Brown received a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

This year's parade will have some new additions to the traditional favor-ites, according to parade committee member Linda Goedkoop. Three new brass bands will be on tap, two Civil Air Patrol units, member of the ROTC from Wall Township, an honor guard from McGuire Air Force Base and members of the Salvation Army.

Additional features will include members of the New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and more bands. Special entertainment will be provided by the Heart of New Jersey Chorus at the reviewing stand in front of the Monmouth County Hall of Records at 9:30 a.m.

A flag-draped casket pulled by a military vehicle will honor those who have lost their lives in war.

The parade will begin at Brinckerhoff Avenue and West Main Street and head down Main Street. Area churches will sound their bells at 9:58 a.m. and the parade will step off from the corner of Brinckerhoff Avenue for the 1.25-mile march thorough the borough.