Pete Jepson named Vets Day grand marshal

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East Moriches resident and Pete Jepson, 78, was selected to serve as this year’s Center Moriches Veterans Day parade grand marshal to be held on Monday, Nov. 10.

“I am surprised, to be honest with you. Usually, they so have so many applications from folks who run the American Legions, VFWs, and so many other organizations,” he said humbly of the honor. “I am [honored] to get selected.”

Jepson is an active member the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11 Suffolk County. Jepson is also a ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders MC organization and has been consistently giving his time for funeral escorts and holiday ceremonies.

Additionally, Jepson has donated public address systems for VVA 11’s annual reading of the names of the Suffolk County killed in action veterans who lost their lives to the Vietnam War, held on Memorial Day on Bald Hill in Farmingville, for at least 25 years.

He is also known as a mentor to veteran litigants in the Suffolk County Veterans Court in Central Islip as a part of the Suffolk County and Northport VA Veterans Justice Outreach Program.

“Pete is, among other things, an outstanding community citizen and veteran who always unselfishly gives back to our community,” said Clarence Simpson, vice president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, who nominated Jepson for grand marshal. “There are innumerable things that I can mention, but it would take much more time.”

Patriot Guard Ride Capt. Former Sgt. John J. Merkle also nominated Jepson for the title, noting he has dedicated his life to service.

Jepson is a retired Suffolk County police officer, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, and has been senior ride captain of the Patriot Guard Riders region 9, covering Suffolk County for the past 16 years.

“Pete has devoted much of his own money, countless hours of his time, and has made a considerable emotional investment to ensure our veterans and first responders are treated with the honor, dignity and respect they deserve,” Merkle said.

Additionally, during the pandemic, when military services were suspended, Jepson and his fellow PGR members stood flag lines at the gates of Calverton and Long Island National cemeteries to ensure every veteran was honored.

Jepson is also involved with the “Wreaths across America” program. In this role, he helps coordinate the placement of wreaths on the graves of Long Island’s fallen heroes. And he can also be seen at local airports honoring military members returning from service, standing a flag line for honor flights, and attending events at the Northport Veterans Hospital.

Lastly, he is a member of the V.V.A. (Vietnam Veterans of America), where he is a mentor to new members and patriotic-minded people. He even recruited his wife, June, into the cause to participate at many of the events with him.

Together, they have three sons and six grandchildren, most of who will be marching with him during the parade.

“The exemplary commitment of service and honor is what makes Pete an excellent recipient to bestow the privilege of being this year’s grand marshal,” Merkle added.

Jepson will serve as the grand marshal of the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 10. 

For more information visit: www. moricheschamber.org.

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