More than a start to summer; Memorial Day 2021 marks a step back toward normal
By BILL BARLOW /Special to the Sentinel
UPPER TOWNSHIP — A welcome hint of sunshine arrived for the start of the Memorial Day observance at Osprey Point, marking a change after a drenched weekend, while the gathering marked a step back toward normal after a difficult year.
A few children wore masks at the gathering at the Sgt. William Godfrey Memorial Park, but most people showed their faces as New Jersey’s pandemic restrictions continued to ease. Several in attendance instead bundled with blankets across their laps on the unseasonably cool morning, despite the sunshine on the last day of May.
“We’re here today to honor our heroes,” said James Joyce, a U.S. Army veteran and resident of Osprey Point who led the service. “To remember their achievements, their courage and dedication, and to say thank you for their sacrifice.”
It also included members of Boy Scout Troop 79, who presented the flag, and local VFW Post 8695. Three members presented a rifle salute.
In another return to normal, VFW members and the American Legion Post 239 spent the morning visiting veterans’ gravesites throughout the township, a long tradition in Upper Township that was put on hold last year due to COVID-19. Officials and members of the public participated in that event as well.
The tour has taken place for more than 30 years.
There was a sizable gathering at Osprey Point to hear the presentation by Charles Hutt, a retired colonel and Valley Forge alumni whose 30-year career included five combat tours in Kosovo, Haiti and three tours in Iraq. In that time, he told those gathered, he lost one soldier under his command.
“It was one of the hardest days of my life,” he said.
He called Memorial Day a day like no other.
“We come here to honor those who have done their duty and never asked anything in return but to be remembered,” he said.
In a prayer opening the event, Osprey Point resident John Newman said they had gathered to honor those who gave their life in service to their country.
“We need to be constantly reminded of our gift of freedom, and those who gave all to ensure generations would continue to know life in a free and democratic society,” he said.
But that is only half the task, he said.
“We must also carry their love, honor and duty forward to the future generations,” Newman added. “Our children must know who they were, what they did and why they did it.”
He called on those gathered to also honor veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces.
The well-attended event also included reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“So the sun’s trying to come out. It’s been a tough Memorial Day weekend,” Mayor Rich Palombo said during the event. “But that’s really not why we’re here today.”
He said he learned over the weekend that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and grew out of the horrendous losses of the Civil War. More than 600,000 soldiers fighting for the North and South lost their lives, he said. The families of those left behind on both sides began decorating the graves of their loved ones.
“Unfortunately, the United States has been involved in a lot of wars since then,” Palombo said. “So it’s very fitting that we’re here today to honor those who lost their loved ones so that we are all free.”
He said it may turn out to be a nice day for a picnic, time outside or at the beach.
“Enjoy the day, but let’s not forget why we’re celebrating it,” Palombo said.
A flag honoring the late Robert Henzy, a resident of Osprey Point and Army veteran, flew over the ceremony.