I was told late last spring that the John Basilone Parade in Raritan is the largest Marine Corps parade in the world. I didn’t believe this until I saw so many Marines (and plenty of service members from all branches of the military) in one place this weekend! I truly felt privileged to have been selected by the parade committee to document this year’s events in photographs.

I’m hoping to put together a slide show of my images with music provided by the Marine Corps Band at Quantico, Va. (That’s a subtle reminder for my band contacts, in case they’re checking out my Web site!) The band was easily the best marching band I’ve ever heard. (I marched clarinet through my four years at the University of South Carolina, so I’ve heard quite a few marching bands!)

And the concert on Saturday night was so moving, it brought many people in the appreciative audience, a packed house, to tears.

The town came out in droves for the parade on Sunday, despite some rain, and the threat of severe thunderstorms.

And while there was never any actual thunder, the Marines brought a cannon, and they weren’t afraid to use it!

The statue was the central figure of the post-parade ceremony where wreaths were laid in memory of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.

Brigadier General John F. Kelly was the speaker at the ceremony honoring Sergeant Basilone, a Marine from Raritan who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for holding off the Japanese at Guadalcanal during World War II. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the parade honoring the local hero. General Kelly’s speech revolved around what he would say if by some miracle he could meet GySgt. Basilone face to face.

You know how when you listen to military speeches, your mind tends to wander off sometimes and you start to think about what’s for dinner, well, that wasn’t the case with General Kelly’s speech. I wish I had a copy of it because it was a Hollywood speech, well written, and delivered as though Spielberg himself were directing.

After the speech, the General checked in with Mrs. Kelly. So sweet.

And then came the big shock. Out from the bushes, Marines stormed the grounds while firing weapons and shouting.

The ambush culminated in an Iwo Jima reenactment, and perhaps, a few heart attacks among the surprised spectators.

GySgt. Basilone was killed in combat on Iwo Jima. The tribute to his dedication in the fight for freedom is symbolic of the sacrifices made by so many, yesterday and today. (I’m especially proud of this picture of the Iwo Jima reenactors reaching up to the statue. To me, it is symbolic of the debt of gratitude we all owe to guys like John Basilone.)

Be sure to check back in a few days for the slide show with many more pictures and some (hopefully) VERY special music!

And to all the Marines, friends and Raritan residents who were so gracious to me this weekend, thank you! It was my pleasure to be there.