Capt. Christopher W. Simpson USMC to be welcomed as guest speaker
The Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Old Forge will be held on Monday, May 27th.
Marchers should line up on Gilbert Street between the Post Office and the Town of Webb School by 9:45 a.m.
The parade begins from the school at 10 a.m. following a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Stone on the school lawn.
Marchers will include members of American Legion Post #893, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Old Forge Fire Department and their Auxiliary, and the Town of Webb School Band.
The parade will continue along Main Street, stopping briefly to place a wreath on the Memorial Stone at the Fire Hall, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the American Legion Covey-Pashley Post #893.
From there the parade will proceed to Riverview Cemetery where the Memorial Day Ceremony will begin with a welcome by Covey Pashley Post #893 Commander Bill Simpson. Master of Ceremonies will be Bill Ransom.
The Invocation will be conducted by Father Shane Lynch, Pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Old Forge, with Benediction conducted by Rev. Lawrence Bartel of Niccolls Memorial Church, Old Forge.
Captain Christopher W. Simpson, USMC will be the guest speaker. A highly decorated officer, Captain Simpson’s military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Medal.
Following years of active service, Captain Simpson currently resides in Hoboken, NJ where he serves as Executive Officer at Recruiting Station New Jersey.
He is second in command to the Commanding Officer, and responsible for the Administrative, Supply/Logistics, Legal and Advertising/Marketing sections.
In addition he manages the High School Program, NROTC Scholarship Program, Music Enlistment Option Program, and the leadership Seminar Program in direct support of Marine Recruiting Operations in the State of New Jersey.
The Laying of the Wreath on the Memorial Stone will be conducted by Captain Simpson along with his father, Commander William Simpson.
During the ceremony, patriotic selections will be performed by the Town of Webb High School Band, the Niccolls Church Bell Choir and the Community Choir. The parade and ceremony will be held rain or shine.
Following the ceremony everyone is invited to the Old Forge Fire Hall for refreshments.
