On May 30, 2024, the city of Wilmington, Delaware held a Memorial Day parade, the longest continuous parade in American history, dating back 157 years.
Starting at 6 p.m., hundreds of marchers walked along Delaware Avenue to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument Park, where a memorial ceremony was held to honor the fallen heroes who sacrificed for their country.
The event was organized by the Wilmington Memorial Day Committee, with its executive director John Flaherty recounting the 157-year history of the parade. Memorial Day in the United States was established by General John Alexander Logan during the Civil War. In 1868, he designated May 30 as Memorial Day to solemnly commemorate fallen soldiers in wars. Since May 30, 1868, residents of New Castle County, Delaware have held ceremonies in accordance with General Logan’s orders.
Flaherty, a former member of the Delaware National Guard for six years, spoke about the significance of the event in honoring those who sacrificed for freedom. He stated, “The purpose of this event is to ensure that more people recognize that many have sacrificed for our nation’s freedom. We must remind people that their freedom is safeguarded by the sacrifices of many soldiers. Therefore, we organize this event annually not only to remind the public but also to commemorate those who sacrificed for the defense of our country.”
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, who served as the Grand Marshal of the parade, was one of the invited guests. Mayor Purzycki was recognized for his efforts in restoring the monument. The monument, originally built in 1871, was the fourth year after the start of the Memorial Day parade. It has now been equipped with lights.
The keynote speaker of the event was 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran and former US Marine Corps Captain James Thornton. Thornton shared the story of his Marine Corps comrade, Lieutenant John Bobo, who sacrificed his life at the age of 24 in Vietnam to save his fellow soldiers, posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Thornton stated, “Facing combat for the first time is a terrifying reality. However, every soldier and Marine will fulfill their assigned missions. Memorial Day is a day for us to pay tribute to the countless men and women who sacrificed their lives to defend our country.”
He added that two of the toughest days for him each year are November 10 (Marine Corps birthday) and Memorial Day. He said, “On these two days, I reflect on many friends from OCS (Officer Candidate School), as well as the Marines under my command who sacrificed in battle. Some of my soldiers were only 18 years old when they died in combat.”
Reflecting on the war, Thornton emphasized the impact it has on families and communities. He expressed, “The heroes themselves receive immediate rewards as they can see the face of their creator. But what is truly heartbreaking is how many families and friends mourn for years over lost loved ones.”
Throughout America’s nearly 250-year history, Thornton noted, “We have lost an astounding 1,304,447 men and women. If you multiply this number by mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, children and friends, we likely have between 13 to 15 million people grieving on each Memorial Day. This undoubtedly underscores the significance of this event from another perspective.”
Thornton concluded by saying, “I hope that one day, the Almighty will grant us world peace, so that our future generations do not have to mourn more men and women lost. God bless our heroes. God bless America.”
Several government officials and candidates also participated in the parade, highlighting the importance of the event. Governor of Delaware John Carney said, “The true meaning of Memorial Day is to remember the men and women who died in battle and made great sacrifices for our country.” He noted that with wars happening globally, people are increasingly recognizing the service and sacrifices of those who protect and serve us, including those who ultimately make the sacrifice.
Thomas Kenney, Chairman of the Wilmington Memorial Day Committee, emphasized the enduring importance of patriotism and memorial activities. He said, “The most important thing is to remember and honor those who gave their lives for the country’s development. That’s how we have our freedom.” “For 157 years, we have carried on the tradition of honoring the fallen heroes, and it is because of them that we have the way of life we enjoy today.”