Wayne's Memorial Day Service - Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

WAYNE, NJ - Although this year's annual Memorial Day Parade for Wayne Township was canceled, a memorial ceremony was held at Veteran's Memorial Park under the large gazebo next to the American Legion Hall on Mountainview Boulevard, where nearly 100 people gathered to honor America's fallen hero soldiers who died fighting for our country and for us.

Parade Grand Marshall, Specialist/Team Leader Lionel Torres-Bush of the US Army 10th Mountain Division would've led the parade down Valley Road - an honor he wanted to share with his father, but he had recently passed away. And he would've spoke at the grandstand after, along with other dignitaries, had not the threat of rain canceled the show.

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RELATED STORY : US Army Veteran Torres-Bush to Lead Wayne Township's Memorial Parade as Grand Marshall

Parade Grand Marshall, Specialist/Team Leader Lionel Torres-Bush and His Family

But another service is always planned after the parade each year, held at the American Legion Post 174 in Wayne, where Veterans Alliance Park calls it home. A large gazebo provided cover from spitting rain for those who came to share their respect for soldiers who perished while our country was at war.

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The Wayne Township Police Color Guard paraded into start the ceremony with Wayne Township Boy Scouts in tow. All stood at attention for Old Glory.

Mayor Chris Vergano, American Legion Post 174 Commander, Michael Smith, Rabbi Mayer Gurkhov and Director of Wayne Parks and Recreation Tim Roetman each spoke at the event. But it was Torres-Bush who, as Grand Marshall, delivered the 'keynote,' if you will.

We've published it in full here...

Our parade celebration may have been called off this morning. However, it seems fitting that on this somber day we are gathered here together in remembrance of brave souls who gave their lives for our country and freedoms. Thank you to Mayor Vergano, Tim Roetman, Parks & Recreation, members of the American Legion, Assembly Council women and men, and Wayne’s Boys Scouts for their dedication to honoring our fallen.

I’m honored to have been selected on this Memorial Day to acknowledge and honor heroes who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice as military service members. I don’t take this day and the distinct privilege of being before you lightly. It’s personal and has many mixed emotions for various reasons. My Grandfather, Warren Bush, my wife’s Grandfather, Norman Kailo, and descendants of family served in World War II. Norman had the distinct honor and privilege of also being the Grand Marshall of Wayne’s Memorial Day parade in 2006. 2006 was my last of 3 active years serving in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) combat unit. Having been a senior at Wayne Valley HS on 9/11, and graduating in 2002, my late Dad & Father influenced the love of country, service & family I still possess today. If not for enlisting and serving overseas in times of War, I would not have made some friendships and connections with brave men who fought in WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm and the many who have and still serve during recent World Wars - not officially labeled WWIII yet.

Jim Bush was my hero, my Dad, and the best father figure a son could ever ask for. His 30-years of police & investigative service included direct involvement in investigating 9/11 hijackers who used residencies & logistical funding nearby in Paterson, NJ. His dedication to our nation and freedoms played a direct role in my enlistment in the Army months after graduating high school. Although my first love was to continue college baseball, love of country and freedom weighed over that decision. I promised myself one night at 3am that I would join the fight against tyranny, terrorism & to make my service personal. After extensive infantry training at Ft. Benning and Ft. Drum, that promise led my boots to foreign lands of Afghanistan & Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom.

Freedom does not come free, and we as Americans are free because of the brave who answered the call by making personal sacrifices, and taking oaths to protect and defend this great nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. For most Americans, Memorial Day is honored daily, internally, or outwardly by displaying their love of country, service and the colors our service members have sacrificed for. We now have six branches of the military, and for hundreds of years brave men and women have signed their lives away to defend our nation, our United way of life, keeping in mind our families, and future. The values which the Army taught me and the lessons acquired from experiences serving, will be passed down to my children & nephews, with hopes that the next generation understands and appreciates the sacrifices our brave fallen heroes made for the liberties we enjoy today….. Thank you and may God bless our Veterans, this town, and the United States of America.

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