2025 Parade Honorees
Every year, Audubon Celebrations Committee selects our Guest of Honor and Grand Marshall for the Independence Day parade. Our aim is to celebrate the organizations and individuals who serve our community in the unique ways that make our small town so special.
Guests of Honor :
Audubon Fathers’ Association
In 1926, the Borough of Audubon had grown to 7,000 residents and found the need to build their own high school Prior to the opening of the high school, a group of men in Audubon joined together that year with the purpose to assist the school and to develop the welfare of the students. For decades, the Fathers’ Association made investments into the school district, with a consistent mission to help the youth of Audubon. The Fathers were known to purchase instruments for the schools, sponsor scholarships and support Industrial Awards, and donated plaques to honor academic achievement. Over the years they staffed the football concession stand, with all proceeds going to the school. They also hosted job fairs and youth government weeks.
During the 1960’s the Fathers’ Association experienced a drop off in membership as did many other service organizations. The organization’s name was continued through the works of Walter Casebeer and Len Jones. Mr. Casebeer especially kept it going by raising funds that would sponsor sports teams and science fairs late in the 20th Century. Mr. Casebeer would also make a sizeable donation to Audubon Little League so there will always be an Audubon Fathers’ baseball team at Audubon Little League.
In the early 2000’s a group of men approached Mr. Casebeer asking permission to use the name “Audubon Fathers’ Association” so they can continue the primary mission to support the youth in town. Over the last two decades, Audubon Fathers’ have continued to fulfill that mission, many times in partnership with other groups such as the Audubon Education Foundation and the school PTAs. The Fathers’ created and continue to host the annual Daddy Daughter Dance which is a great, fun, family-friendly inclusive event for all youth and families. The Fathers’ have donated thousands of dollars to youth sports and other organizations, as well as over $14,000 in technology to the school district, and nearly $100,000 has been given out in scholarships.
As the Audubon Fathers’ Association reaches 99 years, they still seek members to join this mission. Residents are encouraged to join them at the monthly meetings on the First Thursday of each month at the Murray Troutt American Legion Building at 8 p.m. Check them out at www.audubonfathers.org.
Grand Marshall : D. Ward Munn
The Audubon Fathers’ Association has many Past Presidents who should be recognized for their contributions to the Audubon Community. Their membership over the last few decades includes law enforcement officials, coaches, educators, elected officials and more. Ward Munn was selected not just for his service to Audubon today, but for his military service for our country.
Munition Systems Apprentice Munn served in the U.S. Air Force from 1996-2000. He was stationed in Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany for two years, and has trips to Aviano Air Force /Base in Italy where he supported American efforts in Bosnia. While based at Shae Air Force Base in South Carolina from 1998 to 2000 he was also sent to Al Jabbar Air Force Base in Kuwait.
Munn was also with the New Jersey Air National Guard from 2000-2006 with 177th Fighter Wing. He was activated for a year following the 9/11 attacks, and in 2004 he was stationed in Qatar.
Ward grew up in Cherry Hill, graduating from Cherry Hill West in 1992. He and his wife, Lauren, have lived in Audubon since 2003 raising their daughters, Mia and Sophia. Ward was a softball coach for several years. He is currently an active member of the Audubon Fathers’ Association, previously serving as Treasurer, and is a Past President.
We salute Ward and all veterans for their service to our country, and are grateful for Ward’s ongoing community service and volunteerism through the Audubon Fathers’ Association.
