Harrison Veterans Organizations to Host Memorial Day Tribute 2025

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6 p.m., the Town of Harrison will join the nation in solemn remembrance during a Memorial Day Tribute sponsored by Harrison Post No. 282 American Legion and the Sgt. William Sawelson, VFW Post 340. Held at the tranquil and hallowed grounds of Veterans Plaza in Library Park, the event will bring together town officials, veterans, and members of the public to pay homage to the courageous men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in defense of the nation.

The annual ceremony—one of Harrison’s most significant civic observances—will feature remarks from members of Harrison Post No. 282 American Legion and the Sgt. William Sawelson, VFW Post 340, and the reading of the names of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It stands as both a tribute and a reflection, underscoring the enduring importance of Memorial Day in American life.

A Legacy of Sacrifice and Remembrance

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, began after the American Civil War under the name Decoration Day. It was born out of the nation’s grief, as communities began placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers alike. Over time, the day came to honor all U.S. service members who died in military service—whether on the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the deserts of the Middle East.

As the holiday evolved, so too did its traditions. Across the country, towns like Harrison commemorate Memorial Day by decorating graves with American flags, organizing parades, and hosting public memorial services. These shared acts of remembrance connect generations and affirm a national promise: that those who made the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Town of Harrison does not have a Memorial Day Parade. The neighboring Town of Kearny has a Memorial Day Parade on Thursday, May 22, 2025, starting at 7 pm. along Belgrove Drive.

Honoring Local Heroes in Harrison

Harrison’s Veterans Plaza is more than a park—it is a sanctuary of memory. It features monuments dedicated to the brave men of Harrison who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In recent years, local veteran organizations have enhanced the site to include new monuments and updated plaques that reflect Harrison’s enduring gratitude to its sons and daughters who served.

Sgt. William Sawelson, for whom the local VFW post is named, remains a central figure in Harrison’s military legacy. A Medal of Honor recipient who perished during World War I, his story continues to inspire local observances like this one, which aim to keep the spirit of service and sacrifice alive for new generations.

An Invitation to Reflect

This Memorial Day Tribute is not just a public event but a civic responsibility. As war and peace continue to shape the global landscape, pausing to remember those who died in uniform remains as vital as ever. The organizers encourage all residents, families, and community groups to attend the May 22 ceremony and stand in unity for those who gave their lives for the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

Through remembrance, Harrison affirms that freedom has never been free—and that the legacy of America’s heroes will always endure.

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