Scotch Plains, Fanwood Memorial Day Weekend Events

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — After more than a year of holiday and festival cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, Fanwood and Scotch Plains Memorial Day events are returning for 2021.

Saturday

The RR209 Remembrance Ruck will be held from 7 to 11 am. at the American Legion, 237 Park Ave. in Scotch Plains. Rucking is the foundation of Special Forces training. It is the practice of walking with a weighted rucksack (aka backpack). It implies action, energy, and purpose. Rucking requires strength, endurance, and character — and builds it, too. This 6.5 mile Ruck Walkthrough Fanwood and Scotch Plains will require a 10 pound minimum ruck/backpack/weighted vest and boots are encouraged.

To sign up click here. The route can be viewed HERE. Organized by Fanwood's own Oshanda Erb.

Monday

The RR209 Memorial Day 8 Mile Walk, Run, Bike Charge will be held. This self-directed walk or run can be completed by anyone who wants to follow one of the recommended routes around town along streets named for Fanwood veterans. There are lawn signs along the way detailing the individual named and what service/war they fought in. The goal is for individuals to get in the 8 miles to complete the "mission". Click below to view the suggested routes:

• Hometown Hero Banner Route 1 (2.5 Miles)
• Fanwood 12 Gold Star Route (6.1 Miles)
• RR209 Unseated Route- Scotch Plains (2.5 Miles)

Fanwood Memorial Day Ceremony - 9 a.m., Fanwood Memorial Library. The Borough will commemorate the shared tradition of sacrifice and service by those in the armed forces. This year the borough dedicates the event to the 80th anniversary of America’s involvement in World War II as they remember those brave men and women who fought and died for residents' freedoms. The ceremony will include:

• INVOCATION Father John Paladino, St. Bartholomew's
• PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Master Sgt. Oshanda Erb, USAF
• STAR SPANGLED BANNER Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School vocalist
• INTRODUCTION AND GREETING OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS Mayor Colleen Mahr
• THANKS TO THE MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE Master Sgt. Oshanda Erb, USAF John Mooney, Editor, TapInto.com Michele Moore, Fanwood Resident
• KEYNOTE REMARKS Master Sgt. Oshanda Erb, USAF
• MEMORIAL DAY RESOLUTION FROM FANWOOD MAYOR AND COUNCIL Mayor Colleen Mahr
• GOD BLESS AMERICA Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School vocalist
• LAYING OF WREATHS Fanwood Police Department Fanwood Fire Department Fanwood Rescue Squad
• TAPS Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Students
• BENEDICTION Father John Paladino, St. Bartholomew's

Scotch Plains Memorial Day Ceremony - beginning at about 9:45 a.m. at the Veteran's Monument, 430 Park Ave. in Scotch Plains. The event will be livestreamed on the Scotch Plains Township Facebook page.

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