Princeton and West Windsor cancel parades, but other events go on.
By: Gwen Runkle
With the sun on what seems to be a permanent vacation, yet another weekend of darkened skies and wet weather put a damper on most Memorial Day events in the area.
Princeton canceled its Memorial Day parade Saturday, as did West Windsor on Monday. But while these larger events were canceled, the inclement weather could not douse the spirits of those who attended smaller showings of support for the area’s veterans.
Memorial services at the Princeton Battle Monument at Borough Hall and at the West Windsor Municipal Building still took place.
And in Plainsboro, huddled underneath umbrellas, a crowd of more than 75 soggy residents, veterans and municipal and state officials braved Monday’s gloomy weather to dedicate the township’s new veterans’ memorial.
The memorial, located on the west side of the Municipal Complex, is modeled after the military’s missing-person formation and features a grid of trees with one missing to represent those lost in combat.
A large bulbous stone fountain with plaques explaining the memorial’s significance is located in the space of the single missing tree. Paths leading to and from the memorial include stepping stones with quotations from Mohandas K. Gandhi, Woodrow Wilson and others.
The township’s old memorial for veterans of World War II, which used to be at the corner of Edgemere and Plainsboro roads, was also incorporated into the new site, which honors soldiers from all military conflicts.
"We stand here today to honor the courage and bravery of so many who have displayed such on our behalf in the defense of freedom at home and abroad," Township Committeeman Michael Weaver said indoors before braving the elements to place a wreath on the new memorial. "This memorial captures the dignity of veterans who have served our nation and signifies the respect they deserve."
The township’s dedication ceremony began in the municipal courtroom, where Silver Lining, an a cappella choir group from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, started things off with the singing of the national anthem.
Mayor Peter Cantu then spoke, followed by former state Assemblyman Anthony "Skip" Cimino, Col. James Lovas of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard and Jack Flood of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 925.
Mayor Cantu highlighted two township residents who he said epitomized the dedication and bravery recognized on Memorial Day.
One was the late Clifford Sohl, a veteran of World War II, who was a member of the township Historical Society and worked tirelessly to create a memorial to veterans of all wars.
The other was Robert Barry Smith, a township resident who died in Vietnam. He was recognized for his bravery and valor in a fierce firefight in which he, as the radio operator, continued to relay important information until being mortally wounded.
"These are the kinds of individuals we are recognizing today," the mayor said.
Mr. Cimino spoke on behalf of Gov. James E. McGreevey and extended his thanks not only to the veterans who volunteered to serve in war but also to the nation’s fire, police and emergency personnel.
"Since Sept. 11 and in these uncertain times, we should also honor our first responders, our police, firefighters and emergency personnel," he said. "They are the front lines of defense for us each and every day here at home."
Following the speakers, state Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein presented Assembly resolutions to three township residents whose hard work was instrumental in creating the new memorial. Resolutions were given to Township Clerk Patricia Hullfish and in honor of Mr. Smith and Mr. Sohl.
Charles H. Johnson, a Vietnam veteran and township resident, concluded the indoor ceremony with the reading of four of his poems, which focused on his experiences during war and reflections on current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mayor Cantu also received a flag from U.S. Rep. Rush Holt’s office that flew over the nation’s capital and will be flown over the new memorial once the weather improves.
The Memorial Day service concluded with the placing of a wreath and the playing of taps at the new memorial.

