Fanwood’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Fanwood Memorial Day Ceremony 

Borough of Fanwood

Mayor Colleen Mahr welcomed citizens, veterans, first responders and other dignitaries to Fanwood’s official observance of Memorial Day held this year at the historic train station on North Avenue.

Bright sun shone on the gathering of about 150 people who came to remember those lost in war and pay tribute to those serving today.

The keynote speaker was Air Force First Sgt. Oshanda Erb of Fanwood, the Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day parade. Her speech paid tribute to service men and women, living and deceased, whose sacrifices have made freedom possible for Americans. Sgt. Erb is active in local veteran affairs and is a frequent volunteer at American Legion Post 209 in Scotch Plains.

Among those present were about a dozen active duty or retired servicemen including Joe Schott of Fanwood, a World War II veteran, who celebrated his 101st birthday this year.

Memorial wreaths were laid in a grassy area opposite the train station by VFW Post 10122, American Legion Post 209, the Fanwood Police Department, Fanwood Fire Department and Fanwood Rescue Squad, all of whom were represented in numbers.