Ninety minutes prior to their arrival at Post 43, the members of the USMC Silent Drill Platoon were forming up in preparation for their performance in nearby Madison.

 

NJ Post 43 hosts several dozen Marines in town for a celebration and demonstration

FLorham Park, NJ

July 6, 2026

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - Frank Patterson American Legion Post 43 hosted several dozen active-duty members of the Marine Corps for a reception and cookout following a large-scale USMC ceremonial demonstration that took place at the high school in the neighboring town of Madison.

The July 2 event that took place on the ballfields of nearby Madison High School featured a performance by the 2nd Marine Division Band out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.; the USMC Silent Drill Platoon out of Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C.; and a static display of the massive CH-53E "Sea Stallion" helicopter and a VH-22 "Osprey" tiltrotor aircraft.

The well-attended demonstration was sponsored by the Madison Patriotic Committee, who worked in close coordination with American Legion Post 43 to ensure the Marine Corps participants received the warmest welcome possible.

The pomp and ceremony took place on one of the hottest days of the year, with the mercury topping out at 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the oppressive heat, the Marines performed their maneuvers with crisp precision and military bearing.

After the event at the high school concluded, the Marines boarded two large buses and proceeded to the nearby Post 43. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by post members and volunteers from the Sons of The American Legion, and a cadre of volunteers from Auxiliary Unit 43.

For the next hour and 30 minutes, the leathernecks dined on freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs served up by the SAL and sampled an array of delicacies and side dishes prepared and presented by the Auxiliary.

With the dining tables in the post's meeting room at capacity, about a dozen Marines relocated to the post's bar. Seated in a long row, they dined and raised cups of non-alcoholic beverages in a toast in absentia to longtime post member (and former Post Commander/Vice Commander/Adjutant) Bob Holtz, a proud USMC veteran whose name is inscribed on a plaque at the bar.

When one of the post's volunteer servers thanked the bawdy Marines for their service, one smiled back and said, "You're worth it!"


With her back to the camera, Auxiliary volunteer Mary Beth Valentino keeps the buffet line stocked with fresh sides and deserts for members of the platoon.

Members of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team weren't dissuaded by the intense heat that occurred July 2. They opted to dine at the outdoor seating areas of American Legion Post 43.

Members of the 2nd Marine Division Band gather at the Post 43 pub following their musical performance in Madison, N.J. At far left, Post 43 Commander Andrew Dutton trades stories with the leathernecks and makes sure their cups remain full of ice-cold water and soda.

Post 43 Sons of The American Legion leader Tom Matyus and his crew of volunteers made sure there was an ample supply of burgers, hot dogs and condiments for the two busloads of Marines that descended upon American Legion Post 43 following their crisp military performance at the nearby Madison High School.

Submitted by:
Will Kramer

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