EDITORIAL
By:
Honoring America’s veterans has a long and healthy tradition in Jamesburg.
From Civil War reenactments, to Memorial Day parades and Veterans Day ceremonies, Jamesburg has usually spared no expense when it comes time to honor America’s veterans, both living and dead.
It’s a tradition we hope will continue.
Veterans Day, which falls on Nov. 11, has been a long time tradition in the borough, with veterans from the area converging on Veterans Park in Jamesburg for a ceremony celebrating America’s vets. In addition, the Memorial Day Parade has been a Jamesburg mainstay for more than 100 years.
However, both are in jeopardy. Both events had been organized by Henry "Spud" Dobenski, long-time commander of American Legion Star Post 127 in Jamesburg, until his death in August. Unfortunately, his large shoes have yet to be filled.
This year’s event was supposed to have been organized by the Jamesburg Patriotic Committee, but as of The Cranbury Press’ mid-afternoon deadline, nothing had been planned.
Post 127 traditionally has sponsored an 11 a.m. ceremony in Veterans Park (formerly 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 Mr. Dobenski’s death.
While it may be too late to save this year’s ceremony, we hope residents find some way to carry Mr. Dobenski’s torch and make sure next year’s activities are held.
Service to your country is one of a citizen’s most noble duties, so taking a moment on Veterans Day to honor America’s soldiers is the least the rest of us can do.
We also should honor Mr. Dobenski by trying to continue his legacy.
In the event that Jamesburg’s ceremonies are not held, we would encourage area residents to attend other activities.
In Monroe, veterans will commemorate the day with a wreath-laying ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Veterans Monument at the Triangle Memorial on Spotswood-Englishtown Road, and at 9:15 a.m. at Veterans Monument at the Monroe Township Municipal Complex.
In addition, Applegarth Middle School students will commemorate the day Wednesday with a musical performance.
We should all take time to remember those who have helped preserve our way of life, for the hardships they endured and the sacrifices they and their comrades made while fighting in America’s wars.

