Bradley Beach kicks off the summer season with its annual Memorial Day weekend festival and parade taking place from May 23 to 25.
The weekend begins with the parade parade along Ocean Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. Sat., May 23. During the parade a wreath honoring American serviceman and women will be placed at the beachfront flags on Ocean Avenue near the stage area.
The parade grand marshal is Harold Ford will be announced. Harold is a lifelong resident of Bradley Beach and is “One Of The Greatest Generation.” He was in the US Navy from December 26, 1942 until March 27, 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He served aboard various Naval Vessels in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. These vessels included: USS LC1565 – Landing Craft Troop Transport and USS LEON 48 APA – Amphibious Troop Transport Harold also served in various campaigns, including, The Battles of Leyte Gulf, Pelelu and Luzon and The invasion of Okinawa
The Bradley Beach Memorial Day Committee has donated over $133,600 to various borough organizations over the last six years. All expenses incurred by the borough, including the ceremony at Riley Park on Memorial Day Monday at 10 a.m. are reimbursed by the committee.
The Bradley Beach Boardwalk will be filled with more than 200 merchandise and food vendors along with kiddie rides, all day entertainment and live performances. The Shipwrecked mini golf course will also be open.
In addition, the New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum will be on site which is an invitation to encounter giants like Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, Bruce Springsteen, Queen Latifah, and dozens of amazing real-life heroes. Through the power of images, artifacts, film and a suite of interactive tools, New Jersey’s leaders and legends are made accessible to every curious imagination.
Learn about the New Jersey Hall of Fame and it’s heroes. Visit www.NJHallofFame.org.
The events of the three-day weekend will be held rain or shine. The events carry on the tradition of providing an entertaining venue for visitors. The annual parade features several local school marching bands, pipe bands from around the state as well as veterans, state dignitaries and seniors who come to pay respect to the memory of men and women who have served our country and our communities.
