In the midst of tour preparations and lengthy rehearsal blocks, the Jersey Surf paused their camp on May 30th to partake in the annual “We The People” Memorial Day ceremony. While many people enjoyed the weekend at barbeques or parades, the Jersey Surf transformed the campus of the Camden County Technical School into a commemorative display of patriotism, featuring over 500 American flags.
Each flag, which flew throughout the weekend along the busy Cross Keys Road, was graciously donated in memory of a fallen soldier or loved one who served our country. Throughout the weekend, drivers passing by the CCTS pulled over at the memorial to dedicate their own flag to fly in memory .
On Monday afternoon, parents, friends, and community members gathered inside the CCTS gymnasium, far from the brewing storms outside, for the fifth annual “We The People” ceremony. Sponsored by the Jersey Surf and the Camden County Technical School, the ceremony featured speeches from local dignitaries, military veterans, and Jersey Surf administrators. This year, Jersey Surf’s Director of Member Experience, Mike Mercadante led the hour-long presentation, featuring highly anticipated speeches from Rev. Floyd L. White III, Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, and Winslow Township Mayor Barry White.
Between the humble remarks, the audience was treated to a special performance from the Audubon Bon Bons Alumni chorus. The ensemble, comprised of alumni of the first all-girl drum corps, performed patriotic tunes such as “This is My Country” and “America the Beautiful.” Jersey Surf closed the ceremony with their first public performance of their 2016 repertoire and a parade tune, “Stars and Stripes.”
Despite the inclement weather that moved the ceremony from the decorated lawn to the school gymnasium, the Jersey Surf is honored to produce this ceremony year after year. As a touring ensemble, it’s often difficult to connect with our surrounding community but Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to invite our family and friends “home” to our winter rehearsal site. Together, we are able to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day—the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Because of these sacrifices, we are able to enjoy the freedom we have today, spending our summer “sharing the love” on the DCI Summer Tour.