Cooler than usual Memorial Day temperatures provided a strong breeze, but did not impede the reverence and festivity of 625 flags which were posted on the front lawn of the sprawling Gloucester Township campus of the Camden County Technical School in Sicklerville. The sea of red, white and blue banners provided a stunning and poignant backdrop for the second annual “We the People” event, sponsored by The Jersey Surf.
After a Friday evening setup which involved numerous volunteers and members of the organization’s board of directors, passers-by were treated to a weekend long symbolic display of patriotism with posted flags stretching the length of several football fields, providing an emotional panorama which invoked emotional responses from visitors on site and motorists driving past the Cross Keys Road location.
The official “We the People” ceremony opened Monday afternoon with a rich and full rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by the corps’ nearly-full brass section. Missing only a few members who had to return home for performance obligations with their high school bands, the corps looked sharp as they donned their distinctive uniforms for the first time this season.
Opening remarks were provided by Mike “Merk” Mercadante, who served in the United States Marine Corps and who serves presently as a valuable member of the Surf’s administrative team. Hon. Barry Wright, the Mayor of Winslow Township, NJ offered words of reflection and inspiration to some 400 attendees of the event.
Following the speakers, the traditional bugle call of “Taps” was performed by Jake Hawkins and Christopher Jenner of the corps’ trumpet section. Emotion was obvious as what is usually nothing more than a large grass field changed into something far more intimate. Members of the Surf family and local community came together to celebrate the lives of all those who make this country so great. Many of the flags were flown in honor a specific person or group, and later folded and given to their respective sponsoring families.
Organizers intend to continue “We the People” as an annual event. Flags are sponsored by individuals wishing to commemorate the service of family members who have served in all branches of the military, as well as those who have worked in their communities as policemen, firemen, teachers, first responders and others helping to form the brilliant tapestries which comprise our communities and our country.
For additional information, please visit the We the People website or jerseysurf.org.