WMBCTV: Memorial Day Ceremony Honors Teaneck Fallen Heroes

While it’s an exciting time to mark the unofficial start to Summer, Memorial Day is foremost a time of national and local reflection for many, an opportunity for community members to honor the servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of our country. From quiet wreath-layings to community-wide ceremonies, tributes are taking place across the country to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is of the utmost importance, but it’s difficult to get folks out because people are working and this is a time for them to barbecue and have time off from corporate America,” said John McGilchrist, Vietnam War Veteran & Chairman of Teaneck’s Patriotic Observance Advisory Board.

Here in Teaneck, township officials are inviting residents to gather later this morning for a ceremony that is expected to recognize and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We read the Gold Star List, the Gold Star List is the names of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice - Teaneck residents from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam - and we commemorate them every Memorial Day,” McGilchrist said. “Every year we have done a little bit more, it gets better and better and better.  We’re also recognizing veterans who have passed away, residents of Teaneck who have passed away this past year.”

The event begins at 11 a.m. on the Municipal Green and will include remarks from local leaders, a moment of silence and other patriotic observances. The ceremony is open to the public, and in the event of rain, it will be moved indoors to the Teaneck Council Chambers.