The Millstone Veterans Memorial Council has announced that the township’s annual Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 31. The parade start time is 10 a.m., rain or shine.

The parade route will be from the Clarksburg post office on Route 524/Stagecoach Road (near Scooters Corner) to the Veterans Memorial next to the old Clarksburg School. Ample parking is available for the public. The public is urged to come early and park on side streets.

Free U.S. and POW-MIA flags will be handed out, and bottled water will be available compliments of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc., Millstone-Jackson Post 3.

Millstone’s parade will feature soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard, veterans and current serving military, Scout troops, local community organizations, and many riders on horseback from area equestrian associations.

Immediately following the parade, an honors ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial. A spokesperson from the N.J. National Guard will give the keynote address, and there will be a special ceremony to honor American troops recently killed in action in the war against terrorism. Lipica Shah, Millstone, will sing a verse from "Taps," Veterans of the Vietnam War Inc. will render a rifle salute, and "Taps" will be played on bugle and trumpet. A helicopter flyover salute is planned.

There will be a special "Support Our Troops" flag available for signing. The flag will be sent to the soldiers of the 50th Battalion, who participated in Millstone’s past Memorial Day ceremonies and who are now serving in Iraq.

Following the ceremony, the Clarksburg Inn will host a barbecue, free to the public (cash bar will be available.). A military helicopter will be on display.

Parade forms are available at the Millstone municipal building on Millstone Road for any community organizations wishing to march or host a float in the parade.

Any currently serving military and troops recently returning from overseas duty who would like to participate in the parade are asked to call Richard D. Brody, Veterans Council chairman, at (732) 792-2120.