Hundreds of Jackson residents lined up on Manhattan Street to honor our nation’s military veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom. The weather was beautiful, with clear skies and mild temperatures, as Jackson’s veterans organizations, including VFW Post 4703, Jackson Marine Corps League, and American Legion Post 504, led the procession with a color guard from Jackson PBA 168.
“We’d like to thank the dozens of community organizations, our police department, firefighters, and veterans’ groups for making our annual Memorial Day parade a fitting tribute to our veterans,” said Jackson Council President Jennifer Kuhn.
Jackson PBA is the annual sponsor of the Memorial Day parade, which started at the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School and continues to Johnson Park, where a formal remembrance ceremony was held.
“We cannot thank our police department enough for hosting this event each year,” said Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein. “This year, Sgt. Mike Basso once again outdid himself and hosted a wonderful parade and very moving tribute to our veterans.”
As we gather here on this solemn and sacred Memorial Day, we come together not just as neighbors but as a grateful community standing together to remember, honor, and reflect.
Council President Kuhn spoke on behalf of the township at the ceremony:
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. They wore the uniform with pride, they stood for something greater than themselves, and they gave everything so that we could live in freedom. Let us never forget the price they paid or the families who carry their legacy in their hearts every single day.
We also take a moment to remember someone near and dear to our own community, Councilman Scott Sargent. A dedicated Navy veteran and a pillar of strength on our council, Scott was more than just a colleague — he was a true public servant-leader. His voice was steady, his heart was strong, and his love for Jackson ran deep. It was my honor to serve beside him, and I know I speak for many when I say his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to our town will never be forgotten.
To Sgt. Basso, thank you for your commitment to this Memorial Day parade. Year after year, you ensure that we never let this day slip by unnoticed. Your dedication reminds us that remembrance is not passive, it is active. It takes effort, intention, and heart.
Standing here today as your councilwoman is a privilege I never take lightly. I believe deeply that public service is not about position, it’s about purpose. And there is no greater purpose than to serve our community, to honor those who came before us, and to uplift the generations yet to come.
To all the veterans, service members, and families here today — thank you. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unyielding strength. You are the very fabric of what makes this country great.
Let us leave here today not just with memories, but with a renewed commitment to live lives worthy of their sacrifice. Let us be better neighbors, stronger citizens, and more compassionate human beings — for that is how we truly honor our heroes.
-Council President Jennifer Kuhn
The Jackson Police Department also thanked all of the community volunteers who assisted.
“The weather was perfect, and the community spirit was strong,” said Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri. “It’s always a privilege to honor the brave men and women who serve and have served our country.”
