Each Memorial Day, our combined communities of Bedminster and Far Hills honor those who died in service to our country. The origins of Memorial Day date back to May 30, 1868, when it began as a national observance known as Decoration Day as a tribute to fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Union states gradually recognized the holiday on various dates, and all had adopted it by 1890. Following World War I and II, the observance expanded to recognize all individuals who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In 1968, Congress established the observance on the last Monday in May, and it was officially named Memorial Day in 1971.

 

Our local tradition of a parade and memorial services, hosted by the Bedminster-Far Hills Fire Department, began in 1957 to honor fallen local service members and foster community spirit., The day begins in Bedminster with a memorial service at the Old Schoolhouse which includes the laying of wreaths at our war memorials markers by local veterans, a gun salute, the singing of our National Anthem by a local resident, and a Memorial Day address by the mayor. Residents then line the parade route along Route 202 to cheer for local first responders, the school band, scouts, and children on decorated bikes and wagons. Unique to our communities, many of the parade watchers then join the tail of the procession to the parade end. The parade concludes at the Far Hills Town Hall with a second memorial service, followed by hot dogs and lemonade at the fairgrounds, sponsored by the joint fire department.

 

In honor of Memorial Day, we remember with gratitude the residents of Bedminster and Far Hills who gave their lives in military service. The names of local men and women who died in service, as well as those who served during wartime, are inscribed on memorial markers located in front of the Bedminster Old Schoolhouse and the Far Hills Town Hall. While attending the services, please take a moment to visit them. To learn more about our residents' roles in our nation's military history, visit the Anne O’Brien Room at the Clarence Dillon Library which is dedicated to preserving our towns’ history.

 

Please join our community on Monday, May 25th, at 10:00 AM to honor those who have fallen in service to our country as we celebrate 250 years of freedom this July.