Veterans Memorial Park Dedication A Special Memorial Day In Berkeley Heights
Berkeley Heights has had a long and proud tradition of honoring those who have served our Country on Memorial Day. This year’s celebration will be particularly special. After over a year of planning, fundraising, and the hard work of many volunteers, the newly renovated and renamed Veterans Memorial Park will be formally dedicated. The Memorial Park Renewal Committee has worked tirelessly toward this undertaking. From the design of the new park and Memorial, to raising necessary funds, to its actual construction, the renewal of the park included much more than just a physical renovation. Through its launch of “Operation: We Remember” the Committee sought to educate the community about the importance of honoring our veterans and those currently serving in the military and to teach the critical importance of creating, building, and maintaining memorials to that service. “So many have sacrificed their lives so that we may have our freedom,” commented Committee Chairman Ted Romankow adding, “It is our duty and responsibility to ensure they are memorialized, honored, appreciated, and never forgotten.” Our schools embraced this premise by sharing the message of “Operation: We Remember” with our youngest citizens during the school year. Funding efforts reached out to all of Berkeley Heights: residents, local businesses, corporations, service organizations and foundations. In six months, the response to the over $110,000 renovation project has been amazing, with a record number of funds raised thus far. The kickoff of the campaign began in September with Governor Livingston High School students publicizing the Renewal Effort through a poster campaign throughout town. A Charity Softball Game between the Police and Fire Departments quickly followed and was a huge success. A concert featuring patriotic performances by local choirs and musicians in December expanded the effort.
A highly successful direct mail campaign was launched in January. The Berkeley Heights Elementary School Quest Program presented their salute to Veterans in February. Grants were received from area foundations, and a matching grant of $55,000 was generously awarded from the Union County Kids Recreational Trust Fund. The entire community has embraced the project with passion and pride. Contributions are still welcome.
Memorial Park was officially renamed Veterans Memorial Park by the township this past Veterans Day. The newly renovated park dedication takes place on May 30, 2016 immediately following the annual Memorial Day Parade which begins at 9:30am at the VFW Post on Locust Ave. The Veterans Park Renewal Committee is seeking to recognize all our local veterans. The Committee invites those who have served most recently in the Persian Gulf and the ongoing War on Terror to share in the dedication of a new monument designed to recognize these recent military heroes. This new monument will be unveiled and take its place alongside existing monuments to those who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Southeast Asia. “A Time to Pause and Remember” is the inscription on the Memorial Wall.
A special “Operation: We Remember” Challenge Coin has been designed for the occasion. It depicts the new park statue entitled “Fallen Soldier” donated by the late Vito Mondelli, Jr. on one side and the newly renovated park design on the other. Mr. Mondelli served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and had been selected as this year’s Grand Marshall. Sadly, he passed away in December. He was also a member of the Renewal Park Committee. Challenge Coins have a long tradition and are of special significance to members of our military. The Committee invites all veterans and currently enlisted service personnel to come to the event sign-in table and receive this gift. Community members who would like to make a donation to the park to honor a family member or friend who has served or to have as a keepsake of the renewed efforts of our town to honor them are welcome to receive the Challenge Coin. A Field of Flags will surround the new Memorial recognizing all those who have given their lives in service to the United States of America. The public is invited to share in this special tribute.
There are many important traditions in Berkeley Heights. Be sure not to miss this one! Additional information may be found at www.BHMemorialPark.com. The Memorial Park Renewal Committee is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible. Please join us in honoring and memorializing all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
