The residents of River Vale joined together with many honored guests to remember our nation’s fallen heroes on Saturday, May 24th.
The morning began with a parade in which numerous local organizations marched up Rivervale Road from Roberge School to Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Blundo selected Vietnam-era veteran Peter Wayne as the Grand Marshall for the parade. Pete attended school in River Vale and graduated from Pascack Valley High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 until he was Honorably Discharged in 1968 after achieving the rank of Sergeant. His service included time in the 44th Artillery Battalion in Korea. Pete has been actively involved in the River Vale Fire Department for over 40 years, is a past Chief and currently holds the rank of Senior Captain. In addition, he worked for the Township’s Department of Public Works for 36 years and was Superintendent from 1989 until retiring in 2004. Currently, Pete serves on the Township Planning Board and is Deputy OEM for River Vale.
The Township was honored to have U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett and Senator Gerry Cardinale join River Vale’s parade and offer remembrances at the Observance immediately following the parade. Mr. Edward Carter of the River Vale American Legion Post 477 led the parade in addition to reading the Honor Roll of those who lost their lives while serving our country. The children and young adults in our school bands, including the Pascack Valley High School Band, led by Joseph Zajac, and the River Vale Schools Band led by Ed Moderacki, marched with pride. Pastor Bill Gray of the Community Evangelical Free Church conducted the Invocation and Benediction at the Observance. Ms. Alex Marsh, daughter of Fire Chief Jerry Marsh sang God Bless America for all present and Mr. George Lucas of Pascack Valley High School played trumpet for the Observance.
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The Township of River Vale extends a special thank you to those individuals and departments that worked together to make this event a success, including:
Sergeant Ryan and the River Vale Police Department
River Vale Council Members
River Vale Department of Public Works
River Vale Board of Education and Administration
River Vale Volunteer Fire Department
River Vale Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxilary
River Vale Ambulance Corps
Bergen County Sheriffs Department
River Vale American Legion Post 477
U.S. Army LTC Mark Piterski
Please click here for a copy of the Memorial Day Program. |
