Borough veterans’ events in limbo

Planning was disrupted by August death of Hank "Spud" Dobenski, longtime Legion post commander and event organizer.

By: Leon Tovey
   Communities around the country will be sponsoring events in honor of America’s veterans next week, but, for the first time in decades, Jamesburg might not be among them.
   Veterans Day is celebrated each year on the 11th day of the 11th month to recognize the anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was meant to honor those soldiers who fought in World War I; it was changed in 1954 to recognize all veterans.
   American Legion Post 127 in Jamesburg traditionally has sponsored an 11 a.m. ceremony in Veterans (Triangle) Park to commemorate the signing of the cease-fire agreement that ended World War I. However, planning for the event this year was disrupted by the August passing of Hank "Spud" Dobenski, long-time commander of Star Post 127 and organizer of the event, said Allan Brown, who now commands the post.
   Mr. Brown, who was scheduled to undergo minor surgery this week, said Tuesday he and the other members of the post hadn’t yet planned anything for Veterans Day, but it was still possible the event would go on.
   He said more information would be available today (Friday).
   In Monroe, however, Veterans Day will be commemorated with a Nov. 9 "Salute to Veterans" at Applegarth Middle School. Sponsored by the Monroe Township Veterans Council, the event will kick off at 1 p.m. and will feature a musical performance by the Monroe Township High School Band, council Vice Commander Larry Meloro said.
   On Nov. 11, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Monument at the Triangle Memorial on Spotswood-Englishtown Road. There also will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument at the Monroe Township Municipal Complex at 9:15 a.m.