Broadway was filled with residents cheering and waving the American flag on Friday, June 14, as the Flag Day parade began in Guttenberg and continued through North Bergen. The North Bergen High School band, accompanied by Guttenberg cheerleaders, marched in formation with a huge police rescue vehicle decorated for the occasion, carrying Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Allen Pascual, Claudia Rodriguez, and Anthony Vainieri, as well as County Commissioner Robert Baselice and Assemblyman Julio Marenco.

 

The parade concluded at James J. Braddock Park, where the Flag Day ceremony was held. Assemblyman Marenco served as emcee, starting with a presentation of colors by the North Bergen Police Department and Hudson County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard. The ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the national anthem performed by NBHS student Geisa Quintana, a prayer by Pastor Gregory Dunlap, and remarks on Flag Day history from Mayor Sacco and Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt. Patriotic musical performances featured the North Bergen High School band, “Taps,” and bagpipes played by John Batista.

 

The event concluded with a benediction by Police Sergeant Ramon De Jesus, followed by the retirement of colors. North Hudson firefighters ensured the respectful disposal of retired flags during the burning ceremony.

 

Guttenberg Mayor Zitt and Council Members Richard Delafuente, John Habermann, William Hokien, and Juana Malave also participated in this year’s parade and ceremony, along with Town Administrator Cosmo Cirillo and other municipal officials.