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Hopatcong council votes to reinstate Memorial Day parade after days of public protest
Summary
After strong public comment and a motion on the floor, the Hopatcong Borough Council voted to reinstate this year’s Memorial Day parade and keep the town’s Memorial Day ceremony; the decision followed several weeks of debate about whether to replace the parade with a separate Flag Day festival.
Hopatcong Borough Council voted unanimously April 2 to reinstate a Memorial Day parade this year after several residents, veterans and civic groups urged the council to restore the event.
Mayor Marie Galati opened the meeting by describing Memorial Day as “a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.” She said the administration initially planned a ceremony in place of a parade for logistical and volunteer reasons but denied the choice was meant as a slight to veterans.
The council heard more than a dozen public comments calling for the parade’s return. Speakers included veterans and organizers who said a parade draws community attendance and educates children about service. “Parades bring the community out,” resident Dawn Roberts told the council. “When the community comes out, they often come together then.” Another speaker, David (last name not specified in the record), said the parade is how “little kids will remember these people.”
Council members and the mayor discussed the decision repeatedly in public comment and during new-business debate. Council and staff said the original decision had been made administratively; during the meeting Mayor Galati acknowledged administrative responsibility and said she personally favored a parade. After public comment, Council Member Joe (last name on record as Bongiovanni) moved to use “every effort to reinstate the Memorial Day parade this year,” a motion the council seconded and approved by roll call. The council president later directed staff to coordinate logistics and permits, with a follow-up report to the council in the coming weeks.
The motion did not change planned Flag Day activities, which organizers said will proceed as a separate community festival. Supporters of both events said they do not see the occasions as mutually exclusive: several civic groups, including the Elks and local lodges, said they will help fund and staff the Flag Day festival and the restored Memorial Day parade.
Votes at a glance - Motion to reinstate Memorial Day parade (administrative decision reversed): motion made, seconded, roll-call approved (record shows unanimous vocal consent at the vote). The council directed staff to pursue permits and logistics and report back.
Why it matters: The parade decision touches veterans, volunteer groups and municipal event planning; residents told the council that discontinuing the parade would reduce public recognition of local service members and lower civic participation.
Looking ahead: Council members said they will publish a timeline for parade planning and coordinate with volunteer organizations and the public works department on traffic/road closures and safety details.
