Lacey Memorial Day Parade to Remember Those Who 'Gave It All'

The Lacey Township Memorial Day Parade will kickoff at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 28.

“What we’re trying to push, we want to get all the Lacey veterans to march with us,” said Bernie Snyder, member of the Veteran’s Commission and a Vietnam veteran.

From old-timer vets to those who just returned home from war, all are welcome, Snyder said.

“We want to march as a group to lead the parade,” he said.

The parade will feature several color guards including a marine color guard from Fort Dix, an army truck and military vehicles, and even the Batmobile with Batman. There will also be a truck with a trailer and seats for veterans who have difficulty walking.

The march will begin at the and end at Bicentennial Park, located next toe the , for a ceremony in remembrance of those who lost their lives serving the country.

For the first time during Lacey’s Memorial Day Parade, there will be a fly over with three airplanes and missing man formation, Snyder said.

The Veteran’s Commission is also bringing back the Memorial Day bicycle contest before the parade at 9 a.m. in the rear parking lot.

The contest will have three divisions: first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth and sixth grade. There will be first, second and third place prizes in each division for the most patriotic decoration. All riders are required to wear safety helmets.

It’s important to continue Memorial Day parades throughout America, especially for the residents of Lacey, said Bruce Baker, member of the Veteran’s Commission. Attendance had been dwindling but Baker hopes to bring the parade back in full force.

“It’s important to honor the service people that passed away in past wars,” he said. “We just got out of one war and we’re hoping to get out of another one soon. We remember the service people who gave it all. Some give something, some give it all.”

The parades are also important for building up a patriotic spirit and showing American pride, he said. 

If there are any groups interested in presenting a wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony or any group that wants a float or to march during the parade, call Snyder at 609-693-6833.