The crowd bowed their heads in the rain-soaked cemetery as the National Anthem echoed through the graveyard.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or 95 degrees, Blairstown and the surrounding area, we honor our fallen,” said John Kruk, chairman of the town’s Memorial Day events.
Dozens turned out for the service, and hundreds for the parade Sunday, the 76th annual in Blairstown.
The honor guard enters at the Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown hosted by American Legion Post 258 in Blairstown, N.J. May, 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
“Singing it on Memorial Day, it just has a different feeling and different meaning,” said Andie Baldwin, who has volunteered to sing the National Anthem the last five years.
A steady rain fell, not heavy, and some people ducked under trees, and there was a canopy for speakers to stay dry. A few stood under umbrellas but most just stood in the rain.
“People say we should remember the fallen,” said Kruk who served in the Marines from 2001 to 2004. “Let the fallen inspire you to do more in their name.”
Before the parade, North Warren High school student decorate a float for seniors who just graduated. The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade, on Sunday May 30, 2021, was hosted by the American Legion Post 258 in Blairstown N.J.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
After the cemetery service, Kruk changed out of his uniform and put on his fire gear to ride in the parade.
People put up tents on Route 94 to stay dry and watch the parade.
Dozens backed their SUVs, minivans and trucks up to the edge of the road and watched the parade under the cover of a tailgate or from the dry inside of a vehicle.
Crowds turned out for the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade hosted by American Legion Post 258, in Blairstown, N.J. on Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The marching bands couldn’t play because the rain could damage their instruments but more than 100 elements marched the route, Kruk said.
“I love the parade,” said Tricia Ramsey who has attended the parade for some 20-odd years.
“I think it is amazing and we owe a lot to the military,” she added.
Brayden Baker keeps an eye on the flag as it is folded before the Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown N.J. on May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the 76th Blairstown Memorial day parade, hosted by American Legion Post 258, in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial day parade hosted by American Legion Post 258 in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial day parade hosted by American Legion Post 258 in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Saluting the flag at the Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the the 76th Blairstown Memorial day parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Before the parade, the float for North Warren High school students who just graduate is decorated before the 76th Blairstown Memorial day parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Crowds turned out for the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Honor guard enters at the Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Pipes and drums enter at the Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Taps is played at Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Students decorate the North Warren High School float before the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The Memorial Day service at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery before the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Crowds turned out for the 76th Blairstown Memorial Day Parade in Blairstown, N.J. Sunday May 30, 2021.Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
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Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com.
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