Video: Freehold Memorial Day Parade 2011

The clouds parted after an intense early morning storm Monday and made way for hundreds of area residents to enjoy the 137th annual Freehold Memorial Day Parade.

The parade began at Brinckerhoff Ave. and Main St. with a flag-draped casket accompanied by active members of the military leading the procession. Area businessman Gerald Norkus, owner of Norkus Enterprises, sponsored a flyover by a vintage aircraft over the parade route.

Some 70 organizations marched in the parade, with master of ceremonies Kevin Coyne announcing them.

According to Coyne, Freehold Borough's historian, Memorial Day was first celebrated in Freehold as Decoration Day. The parade was led for 20 years by a Civil War horse named Dolly; she belonged to Major Peter Vredenburgh Jr., Coyne said. Vredenburgh was one of Freehold's best known war heroes. He was killed at the Battle of Opequon while leading his men into battle, Coyne said. Each Decoration Day, Dolly would lead the veterans up Main St. to Maplewood Ceremony, where they would gather around Vredenburgh's grave.

"Today is a day we honor the brave men and women who have served their country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Merchant Marines and reserves," Coyne said. "We want to outwardly show our gratitude to the veterans and their families, and offer a big thank you for their sacrifices in defending the United States of America. We never want to forget that these men and women are someones wives, husbands, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles or friends. And each day the families of these men and women pray for a safe return of their loved ones. At some time today whether you are alone or at a barbecue, please pause in your own way to remember those who have made the sacrifice for us."