Craig Garner, Poet Laureate of Irvington read a poem at the 2011 Irvington Memorial Day

event as one of the featured guest to help celebrate the Memorial Day

holiday in Irvington.  The event featured guests from Post 1700 in

Irvington, Freeholder D. Bilal Beasley, Hon. Wayne Smith and

other dignateries.  The event was sponsored by Donald Malloy, the

Director of Parks and Recreation services and was held at the Servicemen's

Club on Springfield Avenue.  The event was also attended by the Irvington

High School ROTC and others. 

Prior to reading his selection Craig told the audience that he was honored

to be there but felt that he was representing those of his friends that did

not return.  He told the youth that they should honor those that gave the

ultimate sacrifice by living an honorable life.  He also said that those of

us walking around with their pants sagging down are being disrespectful

to those men and women who put their lives on the line just so we could

be free.  He then read his poem entitled "Freedom Ain't Free".

Craig A. Garner