At the 2018 Cranford Memorial Day Parade, the Cranford Knights of Columbus honored Father Charles Watters with a float depicting him ministering to a fellow soldier. Two members of St. Michael’s Youth Group participated and Liam Matier portrayed Father Watters and Patty Coates portrayed the soldier.
Father Watters, who was an Air National Guard Chaplain during two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, also served at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford from 1964 through 1965. During his second tour, Father Watters was killed on November 17, 1967, during a 12-day battle in the vicinity of Dak To. Unarmed and completely exposed, Father Watters rushed forward in the line of contact with complete disregard for his own safety to provide aid to wounded soldiers and to assist with evacuation efforts and giving Last Rites to the dying. Father Watters was mortally wounded while giving aid to his comrades and awarded our nation’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Only a handful of Chaplains have received this honor and Father Watters was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors.
The Cranford Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Fraternal Organization dedicated to our four core principles, Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Our Council supports many worthy charitable and civic causes locally, statewide and nationally. For information about joining the Knights, please contact either Grand Knight Wally Shackell at 908-868-9988 or Membership Chair John Caprio at 732-306-5634 or visit our web site, cranfordknights.org.
(above) Two members of St. Michael’s Youth Group participated in the Memorial Day Parade to honor Father Walters on behalf of the Cranford Knights of Columbus. Liam Matier portrayed Father Watters and Patty Coates portrayed the soldier.
