Memorial Day Service 2012 photos by Ron Rispoli
Telegrams, like the one above, for Raritan's Michael Mazepa have been delivered to 27 Raritan Familes during times of war.	At the Memorial Day Service the names of all 27 men who died for our country were read by Deacon John Pacifico
	Thank you for including me in this Memorial Day observance. You will note that I did not use the word celebration because this day is not a celebration. We come together to remember our service men and women who served our country in all wars and conflicts we have endured as a nation. You have, no doubt, heard radio and television commentators ask people what is the greatest threat to the United States. I do not believe it’s inflation or terroristic threats, but that our children and grandchildren do not know how to be patriotic, and they do not have a sense of what it is to be an American, and what living in the greatest nation on earth truly means. Each morning schoolchildren repeat the Pledge of Allegiance in school, but too often it becomes a rote exercise with little or no meaning. Freedom is not free and unless young people understand the sacrifices your generation and mine made at Guadalcanal, Omaha Beach, Chosin Reservoir, Khe San, Beirut, and Afghanistan we are doomed as a nation of free people. So today, let us come together as a community and remember these brace men from Raritan who gave their lives so we can stand here today. And let us also thank the courageous wives and mothers they left behind. God bless you all for your sacrifices; God Bless Raritan and God Bless the United States. May she always be the greatest nation on earth.
Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak spoke at the ceremony. Her speech appears above.
A few young people did attend the ceremony. As these cub scouts were present.
	Good morning, I would like to thank all of you that have taken the time to join us for this ceremony this morning. Memorial Day is a day to reflect back and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. These men and women all banded together fighting for a common cause unselfishly gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today. The Veterans standing before us are our link to the past, the remaining soldiers that can tell us about the pride, dignity and courage of the fallen that we honor today and everyday. These solders were not only men; they were fathers, brothers, husbands and friends that will always be remembered and never forgotten. We thank you for your service. Thank you again to everyone joining us today to honor these very special patriots. And may God bless you all.
Council President Stefanie Gara spoke at the ceremony. Her speech appears above.