Each Memorial Day, the people of Berkeley Heights honor and celebrate the memory of those who have fallen in our country’s conflicts and those who have served in them. The Veteran’s Memorial at Memorial Park is the center of activity at the township’s most important public event. The day’s ceremonies consist of a parade that ends at Memorial Park, where floral wreaths are placed at the Memorial. T
he Governor Livingston Regional High School band plays the national anthem, and Echo Taps are sounded behind the Memorial. Speeches are then delivered at the Memorial to honor our servicemen and servicewomen. Since its unveiling in 1987, the Memorial has experienced extensive wear and deterioration. The brick walkway leading to the flagpole and wall has buckled, cracked, and been damaged. Much of the landscaping has withered and died. The flagpole is discolored, the light fixtures rusted, and the benches mildewed. The huge Norway spruce that stands behind the Memorial is in dire condition, and likely needs to be replaced. The job of restoration must be done. A group of volunteers, public officials, and businesses have come forward to offer support and help, and the Berkeley Heights Town Council has established a Memorial Park Renewal Committee. The committee’s mission is to restore the Memorial to pristine condition by Memorial Day — May 30, 2016. Once again, the town’s residents, local businesses, and organizations will be called upon to help with various aspects of the work, and for financial support.
