Fireworks Display is Dedicated to Frontline Heroes
Holidays and celebrations have had a different look in 2020. Graduations have been relegated to virtual ceremonies, birthdays to drive-by parades and Memorial Day to small backyard gatherings with socially distanced guests.
So it’s no surprise that the annual 4th of July Family Fireworks on the Navesink River will be a little different this year, too.
Fireworks will once again light up the skies over the Navesink River July 3. Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center will present the pyrotechnic display dedicated to the community’s frontline workers, including health care and other essential workers.
The traditional spectacular fireworks over the Navesink River will once again be on display Friday, July 3. But to safeguard supporters, it will be celebrated without the accompanying family event.
This year the fireworks, scheduled to go off between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m., will be dedicated to the community’s frontline workers, including health care heroes and other essential personnel.
“Fireworks on the Navesink River are a time-honored tradition and while we are not able to gather in person, we are thrilled to be able to put them on for the community as a way to express our gratitude for the heroes among us, while raising money for a great cause,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. The expense of the display was generously underwritten by the Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees.
“Riverview Medical Center has invested an extraordinary amount of funds to acquire ventilators, disinfecting machines, temporary tenting and personal protective equipment (PPE) to fight COVID-19 and to prepare for any potential resurgences making community support more important than ever.”
“This community has been through a lot this year,” said Domenic DiPiero, former chairman of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation and current Hackensack Meridian Health trustee. He and wife Hilary DiPiero, Riverview Medical Center Foundation trustee, have been hosting the family fireworks event at their home on the Navesink, which featured food, rides and games and raised critical funds for the medical center. Last year, the event raised more than $250,000.
“The hard work of the staff and health care professionals at Riverview Medical Center has always been important to and appreciated by the community,” he said. “So it seems a fitting tribute for this year’s display be dedicated to them. And we’re happy everyone can enjoy the fireworks.” The fireworks will be launched from a barge in front of the DiPiero’s dock.
The fireworks are traditionally visible along the Navesink River in the section nearest the Oceanic Bridge. Hackensack Meridian Health encourages all individuals gathering to watch fireworks at any location throughout New Jersey to practice safe social distancing and masking.
“I used to attend the fireworks every year with a few of my girlfriends when I was a kid,” said Alexandra Hough, Red Bank.
“We’d usually attend some barbecue beforehand and make our way onto the bridge to get a good view. I remember when we first learned they were being discontinued how upset we were about it. It’s nice to hear that they’ll be back this year. Even better is that they’re being held for a good cause.”
All donations made will support the ongoing efforts at Riverview Medical Center to care for patients during this crisis and beyond. Gifts are 100 percent tax deductible and can be made at HackensackMeridianHealth.org/RMCFireworks, by calling 201-317-5397 or emailing michelle.casserly@hackensackmeridian.org.
The article originally appeared in the June 25 – July 1, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
