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Veterans Celebrated in Scotch Plains and Fanwood

Have you thanked a veteran for their service?

Both Scotch Plains and Fanwood celebrated Veterans Day on Monday, as residents came out for ceremonies and reflections in front of town war memorials.

In Scotch Plains, residents gathered at the intersection of Park Avenue and Front Street, in front of the town's Veterans Memorial. In Fanwood, ceremonies took place in front of the Veterans Memorial at the library. Both events were sponsored by American Legion Post 209 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10122 and led by Joe McCourt of the American Legion. 

In Scotch Plains, Mayor Kevin Glover told audience members that if they see a veteran or service person they should share with them five words: "Thank you for your service." 

"They came from all walks of life but they shared several fundamental qualities: love of country, courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, integrity and honor," he said. "All qualities needed to serve a cause larger than oneself. We came here today on the 11th day of 11th month at 11th hour, as we have every year, to give thanks to those who served because we remember."

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

McCourt also spoke to the crowd in Scotch Plains and in Fanwood.

"The price of freedom is very high," he said. "Our nation has survived and prospered only because of the selfless sacrifice of millions of Americans who were willing to leave the comfort and security of their homes and families to endure the hardship of public military service. More than 1 million paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifice can never be ignored or forgotten. If their deeds and actions become superfluous, so shall we as nation. ... We have been gifted what other nations have failed to obtain. Freedom is not free. Value and cherish it for the extraordinary thing it is. If you love your freedom, thank a veteran for it." 

Both ceremonies included a rifle salute, laying wreaths on the memorials, the playing of Taps and the national anthem.

Thirty servicemen from Fanwood and Scotch Plains were lost at war. Their names are: 

World War I
Nick D'Addamio, Ernest Ashworth, John Barich, William Brohm III, Rudolf W. Bochkay, Alfred A. Borman, Anthony Capone, Louis E. Checchio, Theodore F. Ginder, Richard W. Gere, John T. MacDermott, Hugh MacLennan, Carroll R. Myer, James C. Muir, Anthony C. Perrucci, John J. Rau, Henry L. Siedentop Jr., Andrew C. Smith, Walter R. Stewart, Edward Stagaard, Harry E. Stocker, Leonard M. Velard, Donald E. Vinton, Albert F. Von Block. 

Korean War
Mauro Bruno, Leroy Mack, Thomas Reiley.

Vietnam War
Charles S. Burns III, Eugene W. Hendricks, Edward M. Klaniecki


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