Now, more than ever, the need to honor the men and women in the military who made the absolute sacrifice for our way of life is paramount. Recognizing that as the primary objective, a meeting was held on Friday, March 3rd to address safety concerns raised regarding the parade route on Route 46.

The meeting included: Mayor DeLaRoche, Police Chief Katona, Charlie Uhrmann and members of the Parade Committee (Jim Lynch, Thea Dunkle, Councilman Ray Perkins and committee Co-chairpersons, Linda & Bill Sohl). As a result of their efforts, a new parade route has been planned for 2006 which avoids the use of Route 46.

The new route will begin at the Municipal Building at the intersection of Wolfe Road and Flanders-Drakestown Road. The parade will then proceed north on Wolfe Road towards Route 46 and then it will make a right turn from Wolfe Road onto Old Wolfe Road proceeding to the intersection of Old Wolfe Road and Route 46 directly across from the Memorial monument. The parade will cross Route 46 and end at the monument as it has for the past 20 plus years for a memorial service.

To accommodate both participants and spectators, there will be parking available at the library, town hall and the other lots at the middle school. Additionally, other parking locations are being looked into and will be made known once the logistics are worked out.

It is the sincere hope of all involved that this new route will encourage additional spectators and participants. Interested individuals and groups that wish to march can contact either Linda & Bill Sohl (973-691-8116) or Jim Lynch (973-691-0900 x7260). An organization Memorial Day Parade participation form will also be on the township web site www.mountolivetownship.com Organizations which have participated in the past should receive a mailing within the next week to 10 days.