Operation: We Remember: Making a Lasting Impact at Veterans Memorial Park
The Berkeley Heights Memorial Park Renewal Committee proudly announces its mission, Operation: We Remember. The goal of the non-profit 501(c)3 organization comprised of volunteers is to honor Veterans, past and present, who have served in the United States Armed Forces and to educate the community about those who have sacrificed through their service to our country as well as those currently serving in our military. The organization began with grass-roots efforts by community members who wanted to raise awareness about Berkeley Heights Memorial Park and Veterans of the United States Military. On September 23, 2014, the Berkeley Heights Township Council officially created the Berkeley Heights Memorial Park Renewal Committee. The Committee incorporated, and subsequently Memorial Park Renewal, Inc. was granted IRS 501 (c)3 non-profit status on January 23, 2015.
To further its mission, the Committee began a community-wide project to provide for the restoration of Berkeley Heights Memorial Park. The current Memorial, built in 1987, consists of a Memorial Wall and four monuments honoring veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea and Southeast Asia. However, the aging Memorial has experienced extensive wear and deterioration. Significant disrepair of the Memorial itself along with the adjacent park area includes: crumbling of the Memorial Wall, buckling brick walkways, dying trees and shrubs, damage to the flagpole, rusting light fixtures, and broken benches.
The Committee has met with landscape designers, arborists, tradesmen and township personnel to create a renovated and expanded design plan for a new Memorial. The restoration and renovation will also include the addition of monuments to those who have served in Desert Storm and the War on Terror operations: recognizing those who have served in Afghanistan and the Middle East. A new bronze statue entitled “Fallen Soldier” will also be added.
The Memorial and park area are situated in downtown Berkeley Heights, close to Town Hall, the Police Department, the train station, downtown businesses, the Recreation Commission, and a sizable field utilized for community events such as outdoor concerts and youth activities. Countless residents and visitors pass through this area, truly the heart of the community. The opportunity to respectfully honor Veterans and Armed Forces personnel in such a central location is invaluable.
Educating local youth and future generations about those who have served and sacrificed is a key aspect of Operation: We Remember. Toward this end, they have partnered with the Berkeley Heights School District. With the full support of the Superintendent of Schools, Judith Rattner, the district is developing programs for the current school year focusing on Veterans and those currently in military service. Such programs include: Elementary students interviewing Veterans and filming their stories for a presentation on Veterans Day, and the Executive Student Board at Governor Livingston High School voting to have the Memorial the recipient of its fundraising efforts and creating “Veterans History Month” with a daily announcement during the month of November focusing on Veterans and our Military Service personnel. Over eighty-eight Governor Livingston football players and cheerleaders distributed posters announcing news about restoration efforts throughout Berkeley Heights.
This educational partnership with the community has already provided a lasting impact. At its recent meeting on October 20th, the Berkeley Heights Township Council proudly and officially renamed the park “Veterans Memorial Park” and will recognize the renaming on Veterans Day, November 11th at a special ceremony at 8am at the park. All are invited to attend. Citizens will see the work that has already begun. Volunteer project site manager Steve Siara of Siara Construction and his team, along with Fettes Brothers Landscaping have already built a new Memorial Wall and laid new walkway pavers donated by suppliers. It is exciting to see the plans coming to life.
The project building cost is $110,000. The Committee has been actively raising funds for the new Memorial with the support of individuals, local businesses, corporations, and civic organizations. On September 12, 2015, the Berkeley Heights Police and Fire Departments launched the kick-off funding campaign with a Charity Softball Game. The Rotary Club and Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary donated and ran the refreshment stands. The Berkeley Heights Police Athletic League conducted a 50/50 raffle. Local choirs have planned a concert entitled, “Voices in Praise,” on December 3 to benefit the Memorial. Thus far over $26,000 has been raised, and an additional contribution of in-kind labor services of $15,000 has been donated. On October 15th the Committee received a matching grant in the amount of $55,000 from the Union County Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The $110,000 budget includes repairs, reconstruction, trees/plantings, sod, masonry, a sprinkler system, lamp posts, benches, trash receptacles, electrical work, signage, and the additional two monuments and statue. Citizens are invited to donate toward this goal. A gift will have a truly lasting impact on the Berkeley Heights community. Donations are tax deductible and can be made on their website: www.bhmemorialpark.com or by check made payable to: Memorial Park Renewal Committee and sent to: 29 Park Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. Renovations will be completed in the spring, and the new Veterans Memorial Park will be dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016. Additional information is available on their website or by calling (908) 208-7800.
(above) Site manager Steve Siara of Siara Construction and his team, along with Fettes Brothers Landscaping.
