One of many Marine
Corp Detachments that was marching in the 32nd John Basilone Parade stands at
parade rest while the remainder of their unit is on the other side of the tracks
waiting for this NJT train to pass on the Raritan Valley Line. Every September,
Raritan (NJ) holds this parade to honor John Basilone, their hometown son. He is
the only Marine to have an annual parade in his honor. USMC Gunnery Sargent John
Basilone, nicknamed "Manila John", was the only enlisted Marine to be awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross and Purple Heart. His Medal of
Honor was awarded for his actions on Guadalcanal during WW II in October 24 and
25, 1942. After participating in a war bond tour in the United States, he
returned to combat and was killed in action on February 19, 1945. Raritan's
parade represents a nice way to honor all of our servicemen and women, both past
and present.
