I am happy to report that we had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend here in Sea Isle City. Not only were there many people in town enjoying our beaches, waterways, and local businesses, but we also had an amazing turnout at our annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park, where hundreds of patriotic residents and visitors gathered to honor the men and women who died while serving in our nation’s military.
In addition to a large audience of compassionate spectators, this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony was also highlighted by several memorable guest speakers, including Joe Crescenz, who was graciously introduced by Veterans Advocate Joe Griffies.
During his speech, Mr. Crescenz spoke from the heart about his younger brother, Michael, who was the only Philadelphian to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Sadly, Michael’s parents had to receive the medal on his behalf, because Corporal Crescenz died heroically in battle in 1968.
I was also honored to welcome to the podium VFW Post 1963 Auxiliary President Patti Lloyd, who encouraged veterans to share their stories with their loved ones so future generations can better understand that freedom isn’t free.
Also with us that day was VFW Post 1963 Commander Mark Lloyd, who spoke eloquently about World War II artifacts that were recently discovered inside a cedar trunk in a home on the 7500 block of Pleasure Avenue.
Those items included a Purple Heart, vintage photographs, and a letter that was sent to the mother of Private Leo Weber, informing her that her son was killed in battle. After describing the numerous items that were discovered, Commander Lloyd vowed to find a suitable home for those important military relics – and I applaud his efforts to seek out Private Weber’s living relatives and to deliver those items to his family.
Speaking of Mark and Patti Lloyd, I want to mention that later this month they each will be stepping down from their leadership positions at VFW Post 1963. For the past several years, they have worked very hard to make the VFW and its Auxiliary the best it can be – and they have done so with distinction and the utmost level of integrity.
Mark and Patti soon will be passing their respective “batons” to Commander Joe “McTire” McLenaghan and President Peggy Moore, who I am certain will each continue to perform very good work.
However, before Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd turn over the reins of the VFW to its new leaders, I want to thank them both for all that they have done for our community while guiding those two amazing groups.
Not only is our local VFW filled with terrific veterans who serve our community throughout the year, the members of Post 1963’s Auxiliary continue to work diligently to support our nation’s veterans and active-duty military members – and both organizations have positively impacted many lives while doing so.
Also, if you have recently heard me speak about Post 1963’s Auxiliary, you know that I am always happy to point out that it is the largest VFW Auxiliary in the state of New Jersey, which is quite an honor!
Now that the 2023 Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone, it is safe to say that the summer is off to a great start – and from every indication, it’s going to be a banner year! As is the case every summer, we have many events and activities planned for you, starting with the Environmental Commission’s Green Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Excursion Park, where families can enjoy a variety of activities and everyone can learn ways to make Mother Nature proud.
In the weeks and months ahead, there will also be many other events happening that you won’t want to miss, such as the start of our weekly summer activities, which include Family Fun Nights on Monday evenings, the Chamber of Commerce’s Farmers Market on Tuesday mornings, Guided Beachcomber Tours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Family Movies Under the Stars on Wednesday nights, the Chamber’s Open Mic Night for teens on Thursdays, and our very popular Concerts Under the Stars on Saturday nights.
Additionally, we also have many day camps for kids, athletic competitions, and other events coming your way.
Among the festivals we have scheduled, Skimmer Festival Weekend is always our largest single event of the summer season – and this year will be no different.
Our two-day Skimmer Weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18 – so mark your calendar now and plan to enjoy the vendors market along the Promenade, food court, free amusement rides and other family activities on Saturday, and the Skimmer Antique Auto Show on Sunday, which is Father’s Day.
For more info about Skimmer Festival Weekend, call the Sea Isle City Tourism Office at 609-263-8687, or go to www.VISITSICNJ.com for info about all of this year’s events.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the members of VFW Post 1963’s Auxiliary for being such a wonderful organization and representing Sea Isle City in grand style! Thank you, Auxiliary members!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
