The JP Stevens Marching Hawks made their way to Division Street on Saturday, May 24 to kick off their annual Memorial Day parade. The marching band participates in this parade every year to commemorate the people who fight and have fought for this country and to evoke the patriotic spirit within the community.
As 12 P.M. rolled around, the students lined up in their rows by group: the color guard in the front holding their flags and rifles, the percussion in the back, and the rest of the instrument groups in the middle. The color green filled the street as the students all wore their Marching Hawks shirt to represent the school. Once the go ahead was given, the drum cadence began and they all marched ahead.
“As a freshman, this was my first time marching the parade and I was really excited to get to play for the community,” said freshman Avinash Rajakkal.
With the four drum majors in the front setting the tempo, the marching band then began their performance of the “Armed Forces On Parade” by the United States Navy Band. This piece features a number of hymns that correlate to the different sections of the military including the army, the marines, and the navy. The sounds echoed throughout the area as they marched through the streets of Edison, NJ, repeating this tune along with the drum cadence for the town to hear.
The path that the band took was a loop that led them back to Division Street after 30 minutes of marching. After a tiring march, the students were glad to hear that they would be getting a free barbecue lunch provided by Edison Township.
“While it was tiring to have to continuously march and play, I was glad that I was able to offer one last performance for my community before I graduate,” said senior Risith Duggimpudi.
The barbecue had a variety of options for both the band and the members of the town as well. These people volunteered to come down and serve their community with free food in light of memorial day. From meat options like burgers and hot dogs to vegetarian foods like mac and cheese, the barbecue was certainly a great way to end a patriotic afternoon.
Overall, the parade was a success in pushing the American spirit throughout the community. The marching band was able to serve their family and friends while also boasting their musical abilities and talents, leaving the town satisfied and full of patriotism.
