To the Editor:

On behalf of The Spirit of Princeton Committee and the entire Princeton community, I would like to offer a most appreciative thank you to the dozens of committed volunteers who made the Memorial Day Parade festivities such a success. Through their efforts, the Princeton community was able to honor the nation’s veterans in a festive and dignified manner.

Kam Amirzafari, as chairperson of the parade, and Mark Freda, as vice-chair of the Spirit of Princeton, were the quarterbacks of the event. A special community service honor (Bud Vivian Community Service Award administered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation) was presented to The Spirit of Princeton founders Herb Hobler and Ray Wadsworth, who still serve as chairpersons of the group. They donated the award money to The Spirit of Princeton, a charitable non-profit organization producing the Memorial Day Parade, Flag Day Ceremony, Independence Day Fireworks, and Veterans Day Ceremony.

The following groups and individuals gave their invaluable support to the parade (please forgive any omissions — everyone’s role was noteworthy): the sailors, marines, and airmen from Ft. Dix, McGuire, Lakehurst, and Weapon Station EARLE, Princeton Borough Administration, Princeton Township Administration, Princeton Borough Police Department, Princeton University, Princeton Borough Public Works, Princeton Recreation Department, Princeton Area Community Foundation, Operation Shoe Box NJ, bai Drinks, Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Princeton Fire Department, Princeton Avenue Neighborhood, Princeton Rotary, Jackie Wadsworth, Commander Frank Sequin, Lorraine Simbala, Lee Wofford, Brad Ackerman, Nancy Kieling, Rod Hirsch, Bill Spadea, Teena Cahill, Linda Twining, Michael Marino, Eric Payne, Sherry Maclean Maurer, Jerry Maclean, Doug Dreger, Emma Dreger, Jack Dreger, Caitlyn Harms, Trevor Harms, and Karen Woodbridge.

We look forward to seeing the community at the Flag Day celebration on June 14, 2012, noon, at Princeton Township Municipal Building Plaza and then again on July 2 for the Independence Day Fireworks on the fields next to Princeton University stadium below Western Way.

Pam Hersh

On behalf of The Spirit of Princeton Committee