HILLSDALE, N.J.— The Borough of Hillsdale will mark Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 with a full slate of community events, culminating in a solemn ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
This year’s observance carries special significance as the nation marks 80 years since the end of World War II in 1945. Hillsdale’s program will honor the lives of local servicemembers lost in that war and others, and invite residents of all ages to reflect on the meaning of the holiday.
The day begins with a Boy Scout pancake breakfast at Holy Trinity Church at 7 a.m., followed by brief memorial services at Hillsdale’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps (8:30), Fire Department (8:45), and Police Department (9).
The borough-wide ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park is scheduled for 9:30, led by American Legion Post 162 Commander Doug Frank and featuring remarks from Mayor Michael Sheinfield, Grand Marshal George Kritzler, and student essay and poster contest winners. The program includes musical performances by the Pascack Valley High School Panthers Band, a rifle salute, and the laying of wreaths.
The Memorial Day parade is expected to step off at 10:30 a.m., beginning at George G. White Middle School and proceeding north on Magnolia Avenue, west on Knickerbocker Road, south on Broadway, and east on Hillsdale Avenue into Veterans Park. Participants include local veterans, Scouts, youth sports teams, school bands, martial arts groups, emergency responders, classic cars, and more.
In the event of rain, residents should listen for three siren blasts at 7 a.m. indicating parade cancellation. The ceremony will be held regardless of weather.
Hillsdale’s Memorial Day observance is presented by the Borough of Hillsdale, American Legion Post 162, and community partners including Inserra ShopRite, Kings Supermarket, and Demarest Farms.
Residents are encouraged to attend, participate, and reflect. As organizers note, Memorial Day is a time not only for tradition—but for remembrance.