For more than 60 years, American Legion Post 469, headquartered in Longport, has taken the lead in coordinating with Longport officials in planning the community’s Memorial Day events.
Memorial Day is the one day each year where Americans celebrate our freedom by honoring those members of the Armed Forces who died while defending that freedom.
The parade will be the first event starting at 11:00 AM at 33rd & Atlantic Avenues. The route will turn down 35th Avenue to Ventnor Avenue, and continue on Ventnor to the Thomas B. Reed Park (near the Longport bridge).
A Longport Police vehicle will lead the parade, followed by Longport’s Mayor and Commissioners.
Next will be our military guest of honor, last year’s Wounded Warrior, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Roger Hopkins. MSgt Hopkins will be riding with his wife, Betsy, and his service dog, Hoku. MSgt Hopkins will also be the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Following our Wounded Warrior family in the parade will be our “Teen Patriots” who will hand out small American flags to the young children along the parade route. They will be followed by the American Legion Post 469 Color Guard leading the veterans from Longport’s American Legion Post who will be riding in convertibles.
Boy Scout Troop 389 from Egg Harbor Township will be led by their own Color Guard and follow the Legion veterans.
Behind the Boy Scouts will be the Longport Beach Patrol with one of their boats in tow. And behind the lifeguard boat will be anyone who would like to be part of the parade by dressing in patriotic garb, walking, riding a bike or pushing a stroller.
Residents who wish to participate should show up by 10:45 AM at the Longport playground and take position behind the lifeguard boat once the parade starts forming.
Anchoring the parade will be the members of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department who are always pleased to feature their well-maintained equipment during the Memorial Day parade.
Shortly after the parade arrives at the park near the Longport bridge, the ceremony will begin, and immediately following the ceremony, all those in attendance will be invited to the traditional “hot dog picnic” behind Borough Hall.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend Longport’s Memorial Day 2025 events as a fitting tribute to those who, over the past 249 years, have died fighting to preserve our freedom and our American way of life.
