Hoboken, New Jersey has had a Memorial Day parade for 122 years to honor American soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country. That parade was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic when the event was shut down by the city.
American Legion Post 107 refused to let the coronavirus prevent them from continuing the tradition of honoring the fallen on Memorial Day, however.
"Since 1898 the Hoboken residents have been marching up Washington in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters," John Carey told Connecting Vets. Carey is the commander of Post 107 and is a Vietnam veteran.
With the parade officially canceled, the American Legion and a local boy scout troop organized in a semi-clandestine manner to stage a memorial walk.
"This is a tradition that we can't afford to let fade away. The local officials didn't allow us to have our normal parade so we decided to have a 'memorial walk,'" Carey explained.
After meeting up at 10:30 a.m., they marched up Washington Street while carrying American flags and wearing face masks.
"This year marks 122 years that we have marched/walked in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the great freedoms we enjoy. God bless all our fallen brother and sisters and their Gold Star families," Carey said.