09/01/2026
BASILONE WEEKEND - RARITAN, NJ 🇺🇸
There is something pretty special about being from Raritan.
Our little town is home to a true American hero, John Basilone, and to so many veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country.
We should be incredibly proud of that.
As our county celebrates its 250th anniversary throughout this historic year, we have an opportunity to celebrate our community while remembering the people who helped make the life we enjoy possible.
That’s what Basilone Weekend is really about.
Our mission is simple: keep the spirit of John Basilone alive for future generations, never forget his sacrifice, and support the people who make our life in this country possible.
🇺🇸 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 BASILONE 5K
We’ll kick off the weekend at the John Basilone statue with the Basilone 5K.
Get your friends and family together. Businesses, sign up your employees and make it a team effort. Come run, walk, or ruck with us.
You don’t have to be a runner. You just have to show up.
Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Dashboard/Overview/112730
Come out, have some fun, and start the weekend together in the town that John Basilone called home.
🇺🇸 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 BASILONE PARADE
Then on Sunday, we come together for one of Raritan’s proudest traditions, the only annual parade in the country that honors a war hero.
Think about that.
A parade, held every year, in our town, to honor one of our own.
John Basilone’s story belongs to Raritan, but his legacy belongs to all of us.
Come line the streets. Bring the kids. Bring your family. Thank a veteran. Wave a flag. Take a moment to remember why we gather in the first place.
And this year, we’ll have something new to raise a glass to…
🍺 The NEW Basilone Beer will be released on Parade Day!
We hope you’ll join us for both days.
Because Basilone Weekend isn't just about remembering the past. It's about making sure the next generation knows who John Basilone was, what he stood for, and what it means to serve something bigger than yourself.
And it’s about recognizing all of the veterans who call Raritan home- those who served yesterday, those who serve today, and the families who stand beside them.
Raritan has every reason to be proud.
John Basilone was one of ours.
Our veterans are one of ours.
And this is our opportunity to honor them.
🇺🇸 September 19 & 20. Come be part of Basilone Weekend.
The Manila Madness 5K Freedom Run/Ruck is on Saturday September 19, 2026. It includes the following events: Basilone 5K Freedom Run, Basilone 5K Freedom Ruck, and Basilone 5K Freedom Run (VIRTUAL).
