Cranford Veteran Lee Blowe is 2019 Grand Marshal of Memorial Day Parade
Local Veteran Lee Blowe was selected by VFW Post #335 and Steve Robertazzi, Director of the Cranford Parks and Recreation Department to be this year’s Grand Marshal of Cranford’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Blowe, a former sergeant, was a combat squadron leader with Charlie Company of the 1st Marine Division in and around Chu Li, Viet Nam during 1966.
He and his wife Karen have lived in Cranford for 22 years residing with their 17 year old twin children, Patrick and Catherine, who attend the Technology Academy and Allied Science Programs respectively, at Union County Vocational-Technical High School in Scotch Plains.
“Memorial Day is a very special day for me,” Blowe explained, “it’s a day I sadly remember all my buddies who didn’t come home from Viet Nam, like I did. For that reason alone, I am truly honored to be our Grand Marshall this year.”
Blowe, a recent retiree, spent 35 years as a chief operational manager in the Walgreen Drug Store chain. His primary function with Walgreens was establishing and setting up new store locations for the company and getting them up and running as working, profitable entities.
Born and raised in rural Murfreesboro, North Carolina, Blowe has become a well known and active part of the greater Cranford community. He currently serves as a director on the Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Memorial Day Parade Committee. At the Cranford VFW he is a Senior Vice Commander, Buddy Poppy Chairman, and a member of its Post #335 Centennial Celebration Committee.
Photos from this event are available online at RennaMedia.com or on Facebook
