The meeting was a Memorial Day ceremony in Passaic, New Jersey, honoring fallen heroes, veterans, and community service. Mayor Hector C. Laura presided, with Deputy Mayor/Veterans Affairs Minnie Austin recognized for her leadership. The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, a tribute to the Grand Marshal, and recognition of an immigrant mother whose three children serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Thank you, Deputy Mayor Veterans Affairs, Minnie Austin. Let's give her a big round of applause. Every year, she does an amazing job. She is a remarkable leader. She puts so much into this ceremony. Even while we were walking, board president of our board of education, Judith Sanchez said there's something different this year. There seems to be greater joy. There seems to be just a spirit of true appreciation, something special about today. As mayor of this city, it's been my desire to ensure that leaders from throughout all of our communities have positions and platforms so that our service can reach far and wide. We recognize those who serve, those who are with us. But Memorial Day is a day to remember those who didn't make it back home. It's important that we approach this ceremony in this day with that in mind. As I've already been articulated, individuals who left home, family, left the security that they had here, and often went into unknown areas to defend the liberties and freedoms that we have today. Because each and every one of you remain in our heart and in our prayers collectively as a nation. We bless you, and every year we come together to honor your service, again, your legacy, your memory. This nation is free because of your sacrifice by God's grace. We will continue in that way. We're going to thank all the schools. We're going to thank all those who participated in this year's Memorial Day Parade. You have made it a remarkable and amazing success. As those who watch online, they look at our diversity, they look at our unity, they see the very best of what community is as we come together, as we join, as we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, as we celebrate our children, our seniors, as elected officials, those who serve in our police, our fire, our EMS, emergency responders, all of us come together as one city, as one nation. Thank you very much. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, our Grand Marshal for the for the Memorial Day Parade 2025. He has walked every parade. Him along with his amazing and wonderful wife who is here, Mrs. Schwartz have been to our community concerts and activities. He does not serve alone. His family has served this city with distinction and honor. You have found them in council meetings, but I can tell you of countless meetings where there was no video recording where he has fought to ensure that resources and programs reach every single ward in every district. Let's put our hands together for our grand marshal and councilman who is now retiring this year. This is his last year as councilman, Councilman Daniel Schwartz. Alright, put our hands together for all of our veterans, our BFW, those past, present, our auxiliary, all of those who serve. May God bless our fallen heroes, our veterans, and the great city of Pase. Thank you. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to the city of Passaic have made a lasting impact. As a longtime resident, devoted husband and father, an active community member. Your contributions have helped shape our city and strengthen its future. And with this certificate, joined with the city council and every member of this wonderful community. We acknowledge that which Councilman Schwartz has done and will continue to do in whatever passion she takes. Thank you, Councilman. There is a mother in our city who has been struggling with her health. And she shared so proudly that she has three children serving abroad. Today, she is here with us with her son and her daughter-in-law. I want to take this opportunity. She is an immigrant in our city. She came here, not speaking English, made many sacrifices to work hard and raise her children. She instilled in them a love for this nation so deep and so strong that each of them chose to serve our great country. Let's give her a round of applause. In our schools, where they were welcome, where they would talk, where they were supported.