American Legion Post #331 (Stone Harbor/Avalon) and the Borough of Avalon will host a Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 30th, 2022 at 9 a.m. sharp. The parade will step off at 32nd Street and Dune Drive and proceed north to Veterans Plaza where the ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the parade.
The Guest of Honor at the event will be Command Chief Master Sergeant (ret) Michael R Francis, United States Navy. Chief Francis concluded his military service as the seventh State Command Chief for the New Jersey Air National Guard until his retirement in June, 2012. Chief Francis enlisted in the United States Navy in January, 1973 where he was assigned to the USS Vulcan. Chief Francis was served the New Jersey Air National Guard and was activated on September 11th, 2001 to support Operations NOBEL EAGLE and was deployed in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI Freedom. Chief Francis holds a Master’s Degree in Administration from Farleigh Dickinson University. He will lead the parade with Legion members and Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, and deliver comments during the ceremony.
“Memorial Day weekend is the traditional beginning of the summer season at the Jersey Shore, but the most important part of the weekend is to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom”, said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We invite everyone to salute our heroes during the parade and pay their respects to the Americans who protected our homeland with loyalty and duty to country”.
Many Avalon civic organizations will participate in the parade. The 253rd Transportation Company in Cape May Court House will participate in the parade with two, five-ton vehicles. 2021 Miss New Jersey Alyssa Sullivan and the 7 Mile Singers will provide patriotic music during the ceremony.
For additional information, please visit www.avalonboro.net.