Memorial Day melodies by Dr. Mary Rorro

Dr. Mary Rorro performed her original song “The Banner Yet Waves” for the Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day ceremony on the steps of Monument Hall in Princeton, New Jersey, on May 27.

She also sang that song and her “Remember Me” song for the Mercer County Veteran Services Memorial Day ceremony on May 28 in Hamilton, N.J., at Greenwood Cemetery. Both songs honor Veterans and pay tribute to fallen soldiers for their service and sacrifice.

Rorro, a psychiatrist at New Jersey VA, is a songwriter and poet.

Received Volunteer Award from President Biden

Rorro recently received President Biden’s Gold Volunteer Service Award and certificate from the White House. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award was established to honor outstanding volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others, and the award recognizes the impact they make.  

She earned the distinction for her volunteer service in the American Medical Women’s Association and in the community volunteering to perform for Veteran events.

Rorro has also collaborated with her former Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra conductor Maestro Matteo Giammario on a collection of 13 songs, with Rorro writing melody and lyrics and Matteo writing the piano arrangement.

“The Banner Yet Waves” and “Remember Me” are two songs for Veterans on which the former teacher and student worked. Matteo is a 98-year-old WWII Veteran and patriot.

Rorro will make remarks about their collaboration at a concert honoring Maestro Matteo as their founder on June 11 at Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Princeton University.