More than 200 attend event to support troops
By:Alec Moore
Under dark gray skies and cold pelting rain, more than 100 local residents gathered outside Borough Hall on Sunday to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s troops fighting in Iraq.
"We’re here today to let our young men and women who are now fighting for us know that we’re behind them," said Mayor Angelo Corradino as he opened the borough’s Support Our Troops Ceremony.
"We’re not going to let this war turn into another Vietnam," continued Mayor Corradino, an Army veteran himself who was stationed in Germany between 1966 and 1969. "Our troops are going to know that we support them 100 percent."
Councilman Martin Wierzba, who conceived and suggested the rally, praised the troops who are now fighting on America’s behalf as well as all those who have fought for the United States in the past.
"We should think of every day as Memorial Day," said Mr. Wierzba. "We can never forget the sacrifices that were made by our soldiers who fought and who gave their lives so we could enjoy the freedoms that we have in this country.
"Some people are opposed to this war, and they’re holding protests, but they should stop and think whether or not they would be allowed to protest if others hadn’t given their lives to give them that right, a right that they don’t seem to appreciate."
Councilwoman Senga Allan also praised the valor of America’s troops and expressed tremendous pride in seeing the patriotic spirit of Manville’s residents, who were not deterred by the inhospitable elements that day.
"We have to remember what took place on Sept. 11th," said Ms. Allan. "We can never forget what happened that day and we can never forget the men and women who are fighting now so we don’t ever have to face another Sept. 11th. Manville is a patriotic town and we support our troops all the way."
Resident Joann Krasnansky said she thought the rally was an outstanding idea and a fitting tribute for America’s troops.
"We definitely wanted to come out and show our support for the troops," said Ms. Krasnansky, who was joined by her grandchildren Tyler, Jake and Tori Bobal who together carried patriotic signs and an American flag to exemplify their support of the troops.Mayor Corradino and the Borough Council members were joined by a contingent of honored guests at the ceremony, including Brig. Gen. Thomas Sullivan, assistant adjutant general of the New Jersey National Guard.
"We’re going to win this war," said Gen. Thomas, who also said Americans can rest assured that the American military has got a tight grip on security when it comes to protecting the United States from future terrorist attacks.
Additional speakers at the rally included, State Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi, Somerset County Freeholders Peter Palmer and Robert Zaborowski and Hillsborough Mayor Tony Gwiazdowski.

