Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching which means another year of annual events from American Legion Post 184. Traditionally, the Post organizes a parade on Atlantic Avenue to honor the fallen. This year, the parade will be looped through the town led by Wildwood’s Police and Fire departments. A new addition to the event will be a house decorating contest with a $100 prize, and a focus on education for children.
The annual parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will pass by every home in Wildwood. The community is encouraged to watch out in front of their homes, while practicing social distancing. While the parade goes by, Post 184 suggests taking a moment of silence to remember the fallen.
To provide a fun activity for families and educate children, a house decorating contest has been created. Houses that register online and display a patriotic scene or a scene remembering the fallen will be considered to win a $100 Visa gift card. Post 184 hopes parents will teach children about the true meaning of Memorial Day while creating a fun display the whole family can enjoy.
To further this goal, educational tools including coloring pages and worksheets for kids will be available on Post 184’s website on May 15.
The goal of the resources will be to educate children around Memorial Day Weekend. Resources include American Flag coloring pages, “What Patriotism Means To Me” writing sheets, stories from veterans, and more. Post 184 decided these resources would be a great addition to the education children are already receiving at home while providing a creative opportunity.
Parents are encouraged to submit finished worksheets to be featured on Post 184’s website and social media. Each child will receive a personal thank you letter from a veteran along with an American Flag. Families do not have to reside in Wildwood to participate with this program, more information available on the Post 184 website.
“The true meaning of Memorial Day is commonly forgotten,” said Commander of Post 184 Harry Weimar. “We hope these learning opportunities and the parade experience will make everyone remember ‘freedom isn’t free’, especially the next generation.”
The annual Memorial Day ceremony will continue to take place on Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m., however, no audience is permitted. The ceremony will be live-streamed through Facebook on Post 184 and Wildwood365 pages. Invited speakers, Post 184 organizers, and the media will be the only people permitted at the Post. Masks and social distancing required.
For more information, visit legion184.org/memorialday.