Despite the overcast skies threatening rain, the turnout for this year’s Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum in North Arlington exceeded expectations. By the time Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D., Archbishop of Newark, began his homily, nearly all the seats were occupied, with some attendees standing on the sides to get a better view.

This annual event is part of the national celebration “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes,” where over 1,000 Catholic cemeteries across the country simultaneously honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces.

Masses were also celebrated at Gate of Heaven (Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, D.D.); Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah (Bishop Michael A. Saporito, D.D.; Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia (Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., D.D.); Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City (Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, D.D.); Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes (Father John J. Chadwick, S.T.D.); and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange (Father Philip J. Waters, O.S.B.).

Among the attendees at Holy Cross Cemetery was Jan Kornak, a Vietnam veteran and Lyndhurst resident, formerly of North Arlington. Kornak has attended the Memorial Day Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery since completing his Army tour in a heavy artillery unit in 1968. Reflecting on his service, Kornak considers himself fortunate, as his infantry was stationed a safe distance from the front lines despite his young age of 20.

Masses start at 9:30 A.M

Rain or Shine