LONGPORT - For more than 60 years, American Legion Post 469, headquartered in Longport, has taken the lead in coordinating with Longport officials in planning the community’s Memorial Day events. Memorial Day is the one day each year where Americans celebrate freedom by honoring those members of the armed forces who died while defending that freedom.
The parade will be the first event starting at 11 a.m.Monday, May 26. The parade will start at 33rd & 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 cruiser will lead the parade, followed by Longport Mayor Patrick Armstrong and Commissioners Dan Lawler and Jim Ulmer. Next is the military guest of honor, last year’s Wounded Warrior Week recipient U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Roger Hopkins. He will be riding with his wife Betsy and his service dog Hoku. Hopkins will be guest speaker at the ceremony.
Longport veteran Herb Stern rides iin Longport's Memorial Day Parade 2018.Following them will be “Teen Patriots,” who will hand out small American flags to the children along the parade route. They will be followed by the American Legion Post 469 Color Guard leading the veterans of Longport’s American Legion Post riding in convertibles. Boy Scout Troop 389 of Egg Harbor Township follows Legionnaires and will be led by its own color guard and follow the Legion veterans.
Next is the Longport Beach Patrol with one of their boats in tow. Anyone who would like to be part of the parade is invited to follow the surf boat dressed in patriotic garb, walking, riding a bike or pushing a stroller. Residents who wish to participate should show up by 10:45 a.m. at the Longport playground, 33rd and Atlantic avenues, and take a position behind the lifeguard boat.
Members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department who are always pleased to feature their well-maintained equipment at the end of the Memorial Day parade. Shortly after the parade arrives at the park, the ceremony will begin. Immediately following the ceremony, all those in attendance will be invited to the traditional “hot dog picnic” behind Borough Hall.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend Longport’s Memorial Day 2025 events as a fitting tribute to those who, over the past 249 years, have died fighting to preserve freedom and the American way of life.
Longport Memorial Day Parade and Service, May 30, 2022. 
