By: Edir Coronado
Community members in Clark, NJ gathered outside the municipal building for the unveiling and dedication of the Women’s Monument. Bill Caruso, veteran, former council member, and longtime community member, spearheaded the event. He began the ceremony by welcoming all those in attendance and offered appreciative remarks about the women who served the military in every capacity, commenting “this is long overdue,” referring to the lack of recognition received by women veterans.
Emma Knutson followed by singing the National Anthem, shortly after Father Dennis Surban delivered the invocation. Special guests and speakers in attendance included: The Honorable Mayor Sal Bonaccorso; President and Program Chairman of Clark UNICO, Mr. Ralph Bernardo; Program Chairman and Clark American Legion Post Commander, Jack Doran; and Clark VFW Commander, Dave Mormak. All of which gave their gratitude for the sacrifices of these past and present service members.
Mayor Bonaccorso praised all the efforts put forth by the various entities involved in the fundraising dinner for the monument. He was elated about the location of the monument, in front of the municipal building, stating, “I believe this is a fitting spot, it’s not in some park, where it will be forgotten, it will be honored here forever and ever at Clark Township.” Amy Wenger, an Airforce Senior Airman (SrA), the scheduled keynote speaker was unable to attend, but prepared a speech that Mr. Ralph Bernardo delivered. In the speech, SrA Wenger stated, “I would not be standing in my uniform today, if it weren’t for those women in the past decades who have stood before me.” She went on to speak about some of the earliest examples of courageous women during wartime efforts, like Sarah Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man in order to participate in The Civil War.
After the closing remarks, Emma Knutson returned to the podium to sing God Bless America. Soon after the monument was unveiled, it reads “In Honor Of All The Brave Women Who Served In The Armed Forces And Gave Their Lives For Our Country.”
