Here’s What You Missed From Sayreville’s Biggest Memorial Day Celebration 2026

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SAYREVILLE, NJ — Following Sayreville’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday, hundreds of residents gathered at Sayreville VFW Post 4699 for an afternoon focused on honoring veterans while bringing the community together.

The annual Memorial Day celebration at the Jernee Mill Road post featured live music, games, bounce houses, raffles, axe throwing, food, desserts, and activities for families throughout the afternoon.

According to Katie Vardalis, who helps organize many of the VFW’s community events alongside her husband, Commander Dan Vardalis, local businesses and organizations played a major role in helping make the event possible.

“There was so much donated food from local restaurants,” Vardalis said. “The kids colored chalk and played games, the Girl Scouts came with Memorial Day-themed crafts, and the bagpipers are amazing every year.”

An ice cream truck and donated desserts were also part of the event, while a DJ provided music for residents attending throughout the day.

Vardalis also praised the participation of the Sayreville War Memorial High School Junior ROTC students, who helped serve food and drinks during the celebration.

“The ROTC kids were phenomenal,” Vardalis said. “They were excited, polite, and eager to work the entire day. They were so respectful and really impressive.”

Several borough officials attended the event, along with members of the Rotary Club and local veterans.

The Memorial Day gathering has continued to grow in recent years as the VFW has expanded its community outreach and family-friendly programming.

Earlier this year, Sayreville VFW Post 4699 also celebrated its 80th anniversary with a gala attended by veterans, borough officials, families, and community supporters.

Commander Dan Vardalis, who served as Grand Marshal of this year’s Memorial Day Parade, has said one of the organization’s goals is creating events that both honor veterans and give local families a place to come together.

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