FILE/2023 Wounded Warrior Week recipient, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Phillip Fong, with his wife, Sylvia, and their three sons, Phill, Will and Dill.
LONGPORT – The borough and American legion Post 469 have planned to kick off the summer season with a Memorial Day Parade and Service starting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend Longport’s Memorial Day 2024 events as a
fitting tribute to those who, over the past 248 years, have died fighting to preserve the American way of life. For more than 60 years, American Legion Post 469 of Longport has taken the
lead in coordinating the community’s Memorial Day, 9-11 and Veterans Day events.
Memorial Day is the one day each year where Americans celebrate American freedom by honoring those members of the Armed Forces who died while serving the country.
The day will start with a flyover of two F-16 “Fighting Falcon” fighter jets from the 177
th Fighter Wing of the NJ Air National Guard.
The parade will start at 33rd and Atlantic avenues, turn down 35th Avenue to Ventnor Avenue,
and then along Ventnor Avenue to Thomas B. Reed Park at the foot of the Longport bridge.
A Longport Police vehicle will lead the parade, followed by Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioners Dan Lawler and Jim Leeds.
Next will be military guest of honor, last year’s Wounded Warrior Week recipient, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Phillip Fong. Chief Fong will be riding with his wife, Sylvia, and their three sons, Phill, Will and Dill. Fong will also be the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Next up are “Teen Patriots” who will hand out small American flags to the young children along the parade route. They will be followed by the American Legion Post 469 Color Guard leading Legionnaires in convertibles. Next, Boy Scout Troop 389 of Egg Harbor Township will be led by its own Color Guard. The Longport Beach Patrol will have a surf boat in tow. Finally, community members dressed in patriotic garb, will walk, ride their decorated bicycles, push stollers and pull wagons. Residents who wish to participate in the patriotic display should arrive 10:45 a.m. at the starting line at 33
rd and Atlantic avenues and take a position behind the lifeguard boat once the parade starts forming.
Anchoring the parade will be the members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department who are
always pleased to feature their well-maintained equipment.
The ceremony in the park immediately follows the parade.
Afterward, those in attendance are invited to enjoy a hot dog picnic in the park behind Borough Hall.
