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Memorial Day

Monday, May 28, 2012

Somber Tribute in South Orange for Local Heroes

‘These men were more than names on an honor roll.’

With a bugler mournfully playing Taps across the pond, South Orange on Memorial Day held a solemn service for the local heroes of our nation’s wars. A quiet crowd gathered under the shade of the park’s trees to reflect on the holiday. The group included veterans and families as Police Chief James Chelel and Fire Chief Jeff Markey placed wreaths by the memorial rock, which bear the names of South Orange’s fallen. While Maplewood stepped out with a lively parade, the mood in South Orange was much more somber. Scouts in Troop 60 of the Boy Scouts of America read names of soldiers from South Orange killed in action – seven from World War I, six from Korea, five from Vietnam, two from Iraq, and 59 when World War II took its terrible toll. “…

Stepping Out: Faces of the Parade

Maplewood's Memorial Day parade was a giant red, white and blue patchwork of community.

Maplewood celebrated Memorial Day with a procession of red, white and blue saluting neighbors lining the sidewalks in our own version of Main Street, USA. With the Columbia High School marching band leading the way, a virtual who’s who of Maplewood (and South Orange) paraded early Monday — scouts and schools, politicians and performers, the lifesavers and lifelong learners who make up this patchwork of community. “As I look out at this great crowd, I am a proud American and a proud Maplewoodian,” said Maplewood Mayor Victor De Luca. “Our community represents what is right about America ... Our ability to live together in unity and harmony exemplifies the very ideals of freedom and peace, which the nation’s fallen heroes fought and died for…

2012 Memorial Day Remarks by Mayor Vic De Luca

The mayor recognizes America's fallen heroes and urges Maplewoodians to work for peace and justice.

The following comments were made by Maplewood Mayor Victor De Luca at Maplewood Town Hall on Monday, May 28, 2012.   On behalf of my Township Committee colleagues – Kathy Leventhal, Jerry Ryan, Marlon Brownlee and India Larrier – I want to wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. Thank you to the Maplewood Memorial Post 10120 Veterans of Foreign Wars for sponsoring today’s ceremonies. Thank you also for the flag you presented to us last year which is now flying in front of town hall. I hope all of you will stay after the program to take part in a community photo honoring Maplewood Township’s 90th birthday. We will assemble here on the steps, so stick around and be part of Maplewood’s history. Memorial Day is the time we remember those who …

War of 1812 Flag on View This Memorial Day

Restored 200-year-old New Jersey militia flag belonging to the Caldwell Troop of the Essex Squadron will be on display for the first time at Historical Society of West Caldwell.

A rare New Jersey Militia Company flag from the War of 1812 has come to its home state. After a year and a half undergoing conservation and stabilization, the fragile, 200-year-old artifact is on display at the Crane Homestead, Westville Avenue, West Caldwell. It may be viewed on Monday, May 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Although there were no battles fought within the state of New Jersey during the War of 1812, New Jersey residents were painfully aware of the risks they faced if the British attacked New York Harbor. Many people then living were veterans or civilian survivors of the Revolution when New Jersey earned the title, “Crossroads of the Revolution.” Throughout the Revolution, New Jerseyans experienced the violence of military …

Why We Serve Our Country

The following letter was written by a member of the 101st Airborne to his two-year-old nephew. Three weeks later, the author was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.

This letter was submitted by Janet Hague, co-owner of Savory Spice Shop in Princeton.  Fred Buschhoff, of the 101st Airborne was 19 when he wrote this letter to his nephew, Dan Buschhoff (my father), for his second birthday. Three weeks after writing the letter, Fred Buschhoff was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.  France January 5, 1945 Dear Danny, It won’t be long now until your second birthday rolls around, and much as I’d like to be with you, your Mother and your Father to help you celebrate, I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it. So, please, Danny, forgive me and accept my best wishes for a very, very happy birthday, and my sincerest hopes for many more like it, and a life of peace and freedom. You know, Dan, there’s a very good …

Kalani Thielen

10:01 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012

God bless this man for his complete service to the central principles of our democracy! I doubt that anybody can read this letter without crying, certainly not me. What a beautiful letter -- this is a treasure. On Memorial Day, let's always remember the brave soldiers, like Fred Buschhoff, who paid for our freedom with their lives.   more ›

Sunday, May 27, 2012

PHOTOS: Fallen Vets Remembered in County Memorial Day Ceremony

Wreath-laying ceremony held Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Newark

Essex County officials paid tribute to war veterans past and present this week with its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Newark. The tradition, said County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., serves as a reminder that Memorial Day is a holiday that honors servicemen – and not just the unofficial start of summer. "If it wasn't for our veterans and those who lost their lives, we wouldn't be able to do those things," said DiVincenzo of the upcoming abundance of Memorial Day barbecues and picnics. Two wreaths adorned with patriotic red and white flowers were laid at Staff Sgt. Jorge Oliveira Plaza, dedicated to the late Essex County Sheriff's Officer last year. Oliveira, 33, was killed by insurgents in Afghanistan last …

Maplewood Wants All Residents for a Town-Wide Photo Op

Help celebrate Maplewood's 90th anniversary by participating in a group photo at Town Hall on Memorial Day.

Can 23,867 people fit on the steps of Maplewood Town Hall? Town leaders are hoping to find out! All residents and Memorial Day parade participants are invited to assemble on the steps of Maplewood Town Hall on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012, for a community photo to celebrate the 90th birthday of Maplewood! The photo will be taken immediately after the Memorial Day ceremony that follows the parade. It is anticipated that the photo will be taken between 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Memorial Day BBQ and Beverage Suggestions

Business owners make food and drink recommendations and one even hosts a beer tasting!

If you're planning on hosting a barbecue to celebrate the long weekend, Union County merchants at Savory Spice Shop and CoolVines are offering some suggestions to help get your party started.  Savory's co-owner Becky Solheim shared some of the East Broad Street shop's top recipes to ring in the unofficial start of summer.  Jerk Chicken: Ingredients: 6-9 tbsp. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 tbsp. soy sauce 6 tbsp. vinegar 6 tbsp. orange juice 4 tbsp. lime juice 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs Notes: To make an extra spicy jerk paste, bring remaining marinade, meat bits and all, to a boil in a sauce pan. Stir continuously until it thickens. Serve on the side for those who prefer even more heat. Directions: Mix …

Home for Holiday? Here is What's Happening Monday

After the parade, everyone's invited for a photo-op to celebrate Maplewood's 90th birthday ... and then the ducks will race.

Monday promises to be a hot one in Maplewood, with temps climbing close to 90 degrees. The township's celebration takes place in the morning with a parade and photo-op to celebrate Maplewood's 90th birthday. Too bad only the ducks will get a chance to cool off and float after the parade. Home for the holiday? Here is what's happening: Maplewood Memorial Day Parade Maplewood will host a parade in remembrance of those who have fought for our country. Step off at 8:45 a.m. starts on West Parker, turning left onto Maplewood Aveue.  Left again onto Baker Aveue, then left onto Valley Street to Town Hall. Ceremonies will be held in front of Town Hall at approximately 9:30 a.m.  Free. Monday at 8:45 a.m.; Maplewood Town-wide Photo Op Can 23,867 …

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Goodwill Offers Professional Outfits for Vets

In Memorial Day event, Goodwill asks for public to donate work clothes for returning vets.

In honor of Memorial Day, Goodwill of New York and New Jersey is remembering members of the armed forces who have sacrificed for our country by helping veterans returning to the work force. This Memorial Day weekend, Goodwill locations will provide a professional outfit to all veterans, past or present, who go to any of Goodwill’s 38 stores, show their military ID, and mention "Goodwill Suits Vets."   Goodwill spokespeople said the offer was reflected the thousands of military men and women who return from abroad seek to re-join the workforce at home. Some lack clothes for work and interviews, or even a place to live.  “We are committed to being a hometown resource for veterans who have served our communities and preserved our freedom," …

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