Township of Cranford Memorial Day

Due to inclement weather predictions the Township of Cranford Memorial Day Parade was cancelled. However, a ceremony was held in the Community Center on Monday, May 30th.
The program included music from the Cranford High School Band, an invocation from Lead Pastor Tom Rice, of the Cranford Alliance Church, The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Timothy Joyce, Eagle Scout – Troop 75, and musical selections were performed by the Cranford High School Madrigal Ensemble. The Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was read by Desiree Santos, Orange Avenue School. A roll call of Cranford’s war dead was read by representatives of VFW Post #335.
During the ceremony the Girl Scouts of Cranford presented a flag and a Certificate of Dedication to Cranford VFW Post #335.
Orange Avenue School Cadet Troop 40071 had the honor of representing the Girl Scouts and made the presentation to VFW Commander Jay Boxwell. The flag was flown on a medical mission by the 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Qatar to Oman and Kuwait as part of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Resolute Support. It was then given to the Girl Scouts of Cranford as a way to thank and acknowledge the scouts continued participation in the “Cards for Soldiers” Program, which collects hundreds of handmade cards and sends them overseas for the holidays.
Long time Cranford resident and retired Army Master Sergeant John Abdul was selected as Grand Marshall of this year’s parade. He served for 32 years in the Unites States Army earning some of the Army’s highest awards like the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Accommodation Medal to name a few. He is credited with always demonstrating the highest level of commitment to his soldiers who served under his leadership as well as unwavering support for the commands and commanders he served under.

See more photos of this event at Cranford Memorial Ceremony 2016