Ocean County Veterans Day Parade Set for Monday

Ocean County will be honoring America's veterans with its annual parade and commemorative salute on Monday, which is Veterans Day.

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Toms River Shopping Center on Rt. 37, proceeding south on Main Street (Route 166) and then east onto Washington Street. After the parade, there will be a ceremony held outside Toms River’s town hall at 33 Washington Street.

A commemorative salute will begin at the 11th hour, at the 11th minute on the 11th day of November, which signifies the end of World War I, formerly known as Armistice Day.

A local – and recent – veteran will serve as the grand martial of the parade this year.

United States Marine Corps Sgt. William P. Carolan is a 2004 graduate of Toms River High School North who enlisted in the Marines on Sept. 24, 2007.

Carolan has received numerous medals including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign medals, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Individual Meritorious Mast Award.

Ken Langdon, Chair for the parade, said parade goers can expect to see at least seven marching bands from Ocean County schools, civic organizations such as the Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore and the American Legion Post 129, as well as a showcase of vintage cars.

"Perhaps the most unique addition this year is a rider-less horse, provided by the Chariot Riders from Manchester," he said. "A white stallion will be leading the parade with boots and a saddle and no rider to honor the service of all U.S. military veterans."

The post-parade ceremony will feature speakers and honored guests, including a placing of the wreath on the Veteran’s Monument.