Local families are busy this week getting their American patriotism on to welcome this year’s Wounded Warrior Week recipient and his family to the Downbeach area. Each year, American Legion Post 469 of Longport selects a wounded warrior for an all-expense-paid weeklong vacation at the Jersey shore, all funded with donations from local residents, businesses and community organizations.
Chase Tanton and his family.This year, retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Chase Tanton, his wife Rebecca, and their six children, ages 9 months to 16 years old, will arrive late Tuesday evening. Due to the later timing of their arrival from their home in Provo, Utah, the welcome celebration that normally comes as a surprise homecoming is a little more scripted this year.
Tantons’ welcome celebration will be held a day later starting 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Ski Beach in Ventnor. Although the family learned about a planned “welcome barbeque” when they read a story about it on Downbeach.com as they searched for information about Longport, it will be an unforgettable experience, nonetheless.
The family will surely be surprised by the motorcade parade in their honor. The Legion is asking residents to come out in force along the parade route – Dorset Avenue to Atlantic Avenue all the way to Longport – at 5:30 p.m. The motorcade will be led by the American Legion Riders on their Harley motorcycles. Police and Fire departments in Ventnor, Margate and Longport will escort the caravan in their respective towns with lights flashing and sirens glaring. The end of the parade at the rear of Borough Hall includes a more formal welcome attended by local officials and supporters.
In past years, residents have come out in droves, standing on street corners in groups with their handmade signs and glittery posters, American flags and wearing patriotic garb. It is designed to be a welcome that many wounded warriors never get because when they return home with injuries, they are usually sent to military hospitals for their recovery and never get the welcome they deserve.
Currently, the weather forecast is calling for rain on Wednesday, but the Legion is prepared to keep the public advised of any delays or cancellations. It is coordinating with the municipality to advise residents of any changes in the schedule.
According to Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli, a “go or no go” decision will be made by noon Wednesday, at which time an advisory will be posted on the borough’s official website and Facebook page.
If the weather forces a cancellation, the Legion will still have an official welcoming for the family at 5:30 p.m. inside Borough Hall, following the Board of Commissioners meeting, which is being held one hour earlier at 3 p.m. to accommodate the celebration.
Keep abreast of the latest developments by visiting www.longportnj.gov, or www.facebook.com/LongportBoroughHall
For additional information, contact Larry Pacentrilli at [email protected] or 609-513-3578.
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