Bloomfield observed Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, with its traditional parade down Broad Street. But in the wee hours that day, the forecast was touch-and-go.
Fortunately, the march went on as scheduled and, as if in approval, the skies became lustrous.
Following the parade, which ended at a viewing stand on The Green, Mayor Ted Gamble thanked active members and veterans of the military services.
“My heart goes out to those who lost a loved one,” he said. “This is a day that has meaning for everyone.”
He gave a brief history of Memorial Day.
The observance, he said, began when headstones of Confederate and Union soldiers, in the wake of the Civil War, which killed 620,000 of them, were decorated with spring flowers.
“That is why it is at the end of May,” Gamble said.
The commemoration was then known as Decoration Day.
“Charleston, South Carolina, was the site of one of the first celebrations,” he said.
But the observance, now known as Memorial Day, was not officially recognized until 1968.
“Today we can reflect and honor our fallen heroes,” he said. “Our debt is beyond measure. They stood up to serve. Let us reflect today on their service. God bless all of you and God bless America.”
An assembly of spectators then proceeded to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument for a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.
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