Reflection, Relaxation

Ijfl no avarice or neglect, no ravagc% of lime, teitify to the present nr irtmmg generation that we have forgotten ns a people the cost of a free ond undivided public * Uenr'ul Jnhn A l.<»*on • * • MIDDLETOWNSHIP - Traditionally, Memorial Day heralds the arrival of the season for easy living, a time for fishing, boating, swimming, sunbathing, backyard cookouts and all the other amenities of relaxations In Cape May County, where, to paraphrase George Gershwin, the living really is easy in the summer-time, veterans’ organizations have not forgotten the significance of Memorial Day and have scheduled solemn ceremonies throughout the county. Some of the exercises are very unique and are seldom found in other areas of New Jersey. It was 114 years ago, in 1868 when the nation was still healing its wounds after the Civil War, that the first order for the observance of Memorial Day was issued by General John A. laigan of the Grand Army of the Kepublic, a Union Army veterans organization — “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or Otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in'defense of their jCnuntry'’ " R»K SEVERAL YEARS after the war, the GAR in the north and the Confederate Veterans in the South, were responsible for the observance of Memorial Day, but when thhsc founding organizations were unable to continue, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans organizations pledged

to perpetuate the annual observance in honor of those who gave their lives in defense of their nation. Cape May County is unqiue in that it is one of only two of New Jersey's 21 counties that has a veterans county cemetery. (The other is Salem.) Situated on Crest Haven Rd. in Middle Township, just off the Garden State Pkwy., the cemetery was established two years ago. It has over 6,400 spaces, and 117 burials have'taken place there. APPROPRIATELY, THIS cemetery will be the focal point for many observances throughout the county on the upcoming weekend, At 1:30 p m. on Sunday, the traditional Memorial Day, a ceremony will be held at the cemetery. Mrs. Myrtle Hevener, county veterans service officer and superintendent of the veterans’ cemetery, will place a wreath in front of the monument that was dedicated last year. The monument contains the insignia of the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and the Air Force. At the bottom is inscribed: “For your tomorrow we gave our today.” Also participating will be the Coast Guard Band and Freeholders Gerald Thornton, a prime leader in establishing the cemetery, and William Strum. A gun salute and taps also will be offered. Meanwhile, in hisorical Cape May, which dates back before the Civil War, two days have been set aside by area veterans organizations. ’ ONCE MORE, as is the annual custom, the United StatesCoast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla

82 will launch a flower boat in the ocean as an airplane drops a wreath in memory of departed veterans. This will occur on Monday morning, May 31, at 11:15 a m. on the promenade near Convention Kali and will be part of memorial services that will include tributes, to the deceased from Mayor Arthur Blomkvest, Capt William J. Russell, commanding officer of the United States Coast Guard Training Center; and Joseph Koury, national deputy service officer, Veterans of World War I. The Cape May area veterans organizations will assemble at the monument at Columbia Avenue and Gurney Sts., at 8 a m. the same day and will visit cemeteries in the area. On Sunday, May 30, area veterans will

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observe the occasion with an 11 a.m. service at the Church of the Advent. ' In history-rich Cape May Court House, free hot dogs, soda and coffee will be served in the American Legion hall at Hand and Dias Creek Rds. on Monday after a 10 a.m. parade, i featuring the Middle Township/ High School band, that leaves’* from in front of the Legion Home. Talks and visitations to six cemeteries are being planned for what is expected to be one of the biggest Memorial Day observances in the county. Because this is the first big weekend of the vacation season, veterans' organization leaders are urging visitors to join with year round residents at any of the scheduled ceremonies.

Omt Haven Rd.. Middle Township, will be the scene on Sunday at Ip.m. of Memorial Day enercise. Cape May County is one of only two New Jersey counties that has a veterans county cemetery, the other being Salem fount*. 4 May 76 198?

THE

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