Monroe plans Patriotic Musical Tribute

Young and old set to gather 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Monroe Township High School football field.

By: Al Wicklund
   MONROE — Bands and many of the township’s youth, veterans’ and other organizations will be showing their support of the country at a Monroe Township Patriotic Musical Tribute.
   The event, with a theme of community and national unity in remembering the victims of the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attack and supporting United States’ troops in the conflict that may lie ahead, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Monroe Township High School football field.
   No admission will be charged.
   Mayor Richard Pucci announced the unity event at the Township Council meeting Monday night.
   "So many groups in the township have been involved in blood drives, fund-raisers and other supportive activities, I believe there’s a need for a communitywide event that will bring us all together," Mayor Pucci said.
   The mayor said "we all have been hurt" by the terrorists’ attack.
   "We have to stay united. We have to go on, to keep living and to remember the attack victims’ families and support our men and women in the military," Mayor Pucci said.
   He said he and the Township Council were inviting the whole community to come and participate in the Oct. 7 event.
   Township Administrator Wendy Matson said the program is still being put together.
   Ms. Matson said early indications are that the high school band, the high school glee club and the Ponds Big Band will be participating, along with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Fire Department and Police Department members and area veterans’ organizations.
   Councilwoman Joanne Connolly said a Walk-A-Thon held at the high school Saturday was an excellent example of quick response and effective action by the township’s young people.
   She said the event organized by Preena Patel and Bethany Blundell raised about $600.
   "It (the attack) was a terrible tragedy, but it also was a wake-up call for our people," Ms. Connolly said.
   Councilman Irwin Nalitt said everyone’s reaction was " ‘What can I do to help?’ "
   He said this initial reaction was followed in the Concordia community with religious services in the ballroom that attracted 500 people and a three-day, Friday through Sunday, fund-raising effort. Volunteers worked in shifts and raised upward of $13,000.
   He said a blood drive was to have been for use by Concordia residents, but it was decided to give the blood for victims in New York City.
   "It was heartwarming to see the response," Mr. Nalitt said.
   Councilwoman Lee Farber said that along with the fund-raisers and the unity to memorialize the victims and honor the heroes was a determination not to let terrorists change the way the country and its citizens live and work.
   Council President Henry Miller said he "was very proud of the response and conduct of the Congress and President George W. Bush.