Chamber hosts Veterans Day Parade and ceremony

The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches hosted its Veterans Day Parade in East Moriches on Sunday, Nov. 10.

The parade began at the intersection of Adelaide Avenue and Montauk Highway at 2 p.m. Participants and attendees proceeded eastward to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park, nestled between Montauk Highway and East Main Street. 

Pete Jepson was officially honored as this year’s grand marshal at a ceremony held in the park.

“This has been a true privilege for me,” Jepson said.  “East Moriches has been a big part of the American Dream.”

Parade participants gathered alongside Adelaide Avenue, in the parking lot of East Moriches Elementary School, and on the sidewalks of the intersection in preparation for the event. 

Participants included an air patrol cadet squadron, members of the Knights of Columbus, Honor Flight Long Island, a motorcycle cavalcade, members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, and the Center Moriches High School Band.

The parade proceeded underneath an American flag elevated by two fire trucks on Montauk Highway near the elementary school and past local residents watching from the sidewalks.

“This is our sixth year [hosting the parade],” said chamber member and parade organizer Miriam Gillies. “[We send] letters to different groups to participate, posters [are hung up throughout] town, [and] letters inviting elected officials [are sent].”

The official ceremony began at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park and included a gun salute from the Center Moriches’ VFW.  Speakers included Jim Osborne, who also acted as master of ceremonies, and George Kreuscher.

“Throughout our nation’s history, [soldiers] have bravely defended [our] freedom,” Osborne said. “We can never repay our debt [of] gratitude.”

Rev. Dr. John Fleischmann, from Christ Lutheran Church in East Moriches, also spoke at the ceremony and said a prayer.

“We thank [God] for [veterans’] service and their sacrifice,” Rev. Fleischmann said.  “We pray that their service never be in vain.”

According to Gillies, the grand marshal was chosen by the Patriot Guard Riders and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11.  Patriot Guard Riders member John Merkle also spoke at the ceremony and discussed how the organization blocks anti-war protestors from interfering with funerals for service members.

“We did this in recognition of [Jepson’s] unmoving commitment… to his duties,” Merkle said.

Former grand marshals were also invited and acknowledged at the ceremony.  Near the end of the ceremony, the current grand marshal, Jepson, was joined by the past grand marshals in placing a wreath over a memorial plaque.  Jepson also received an official document for the event.

“[Our] goal remains the same: to show honor and dignity and respect for those who served,” Jepson said.