177th Fighter Wing to provide flyover during Longport parade

Two F-16 jets from the 177^th Fighter Wing will provide a flyover during Longport’s annual Memorial Day parade Monday.

According to American Legion Post 469 Commander Larry Pacentrilli, the jets will fly over Longport's smiley-faced water tower at 11:10 a.m.

The legion was hoping for the jets to fly at 11 a.m. marking the start of the parade, but there were numerous requests for flyovers in the region and in the northern part of the state and that time was not available.

Pacentrilli said he was grateful to be included in the 177^th’s lineup of flyovers on Memorial Day again this year.

“I figure the parade should be on Ventnor Avenue by that time, probably approaching 32^nd Avenue,” he said in an advisory.

The jets will approach from Longport Point, and cross the water tower before returning to their home base at Atlantic City Airport in Egg Harbor Township.

The formation will be at an altitude of 1000 feet but will be visible, Pacentrilli said.

“Folks in the parade and along Ventnor Avenue should be able to see and hear the F-16’s,” he said.

Here's the lineup of services in Downbeach towns.

Ventnor

• The Greater Absecon Island VFW will host a solemn ceremony at 9 a.m. around the flagpole at City Hall, 6201 Ventnor Ave.

Margate

• The Margate Mother's Association Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., and marches down the Parkway to the All Wars Memorial at Ventnor and Mansfield avenues, where a ceremony will be held. Refreshments at Margate Log Cabin afterward.

Longport

• American Legion Post 469 will host its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony starting at 11 a.m. Route is from 33rd and Atlantic avenues to 35th Avenue to Ventnor Avenue, proceeding to Thomas B. Reed Park at the foot of the Longport bridge. The military guest of honor is Wounded Warrior Week recipient, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Roger Hopkins. Hot dog picnic at Borough Hall afterward.