Medford News
5/11/2023 - MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES SCHEDULED FOR MAY 27th & 29th and FIELD OF HONOR TO RETURN TO FREEDOM PARK 5/26-6/3
2023 Memorial Day Observances -- Programs offered on Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th
The Medford Township Council & Medford VFW Post #7677 are pleased to announce that they will hold Medford’s Annual Memorial Day Parade & Observances on Monday, May 29th, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
As a reminder, as of 2019 the Parade route has changed. The Parade will now start at Allen School on Allen Avenue near Union Street, and proceed east to South Main Street. The Parade will turn left onto South Main Street; stopping briefly at the War Memorials adjacent to the Medford Memorial Community Center at 26 South Main Street to raise the flag, present a wreath and offer a 21-gun salute. The Parade will then re-start and continue north, turning left on Union Street. The Parade concludes in Freedom Park at 86 Union Street. The ceremony will start immediately at the conclusion of the Parade in Freedom Park.
Parade participants will include members of the VFW Post #7677, the Shawnee High School Marching Band, the Medford Police Department, Medford EMS, the Union & Taunton Fire Companies, the Nam Knights, the Civil Air Patrol-Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron, the Medford Masonic Lodge #178 and their Widow’s Sons Motorcycle Club, the Warrior Watch Riders, as well as many other public safety representatives and military re-enactment associations from neighboring communities.
This year’s Grand Marshall is William (Bill) J. Dorman. He served in the US Air Force for 13 years from 1947-1960 as a Platoon Sergeant, Management Instructor, and Management Consultant in the US, Okinawa and Alaska; including the Air Defense Command/NORAD at Ent AFB in Colorado Springs. After his service concluded, Sgt. Dorman also developed strategic plans, product and business opportunities while employed at Bausch and Lomb Scientific Instrument Division in Rochester and the ITEK Corporation of Rochester and Boston, MA. Bill then went on to Found the Dorman Management Consulting firm in the mid-1960’s. He has traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, Norway and Brazil assisting Fortune 1000 clients in developing new business and products. Upon retirement, he was an Adjunct Professor at the Wharton Business School for five years. He has also developed and led adult discussions about Emotional Intelligence for six years, and remained active in community service with his Church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Music, Baseball, Ice Hockey and Golf throughout his life.
The Township Council invites and encourages Veterans to march in the Parade or join them in a vehicle. Local Scout troops and civic organizations who wish to march in the parade are also encouraged to do so and should contact the Beth Portocalis at the Municipal Offices (bportocalis@medfordtownship.com) or by calling 609-654-2608 x330. Also, participation in the parade on decorated bicycles is highly encouraged. Bikers should report to the Allen School staging area by 10:45 a.m., and must wear safety helmets.
Preceding the Memorial Day observances, on Saturday, May 27th, VFW Post #7677 is planning to perform memorial services at each of the three Medford Township cemeteries east of Main Street (Family Ministry at Branch and Filbert Streets, the Baptist Cemetery and the Odd Fellows Cemetery) in the usual sequence, commencing at noon. The small gated cemetery on Stokes Road @ Himmelein Road is also included. Accordingly, the Parade route on Monday will not include stops at these cemeteries.
FIELD OF HONOR RETURNING TO FREEDOM PARK IN MEDFORD THE WEEK OF MEMORIAL DAY
On Friday, May 26, 2023, Rotarians and community volunteers will erect over 325 full-size American flags on 7.5’ flag poles in Freedom Park—in perfectly symmetrical rows. Medallions will be placed on flags with details of the nominated “heroes.” The Field of Honor® will remain for a full week, from May 26 through June 4, 2023.
The Medford Sunrise Rotary organizes the Burlington County Field of Honor® each year to honor those who served—and currently serve—their community and our country. Each year during the week over Memorial Day, this inspiring and memorable display draws together residents of Burlington County to honor the heroes who have touched our lives and served our community and our nation.
The Medford Sunrise Rotary held the county’s first Field of Honor® over Memorial Day week, 2019. Hundreds of people have since sponsored a flag in the name of a person whom they nominated as having exhibited Service Above Self. Each full-sized American flag is sponsored by a resident, business or Rotary club in honor of a hometown hero: perhaps a family member who gave their life in service to our nation; perhaps a first responder who saves lives and touches our community every day; maybe a beloved family member or friend who currently wears a uniform to keep our nation safe or honoring people who demonstrate Service Above Self by touching the lives of others.
For more info, visit https://burlcofieldofhonor.com/.