LITTLE SILVER – – Veterans gathered on the campus of Red Bank Regional High School (RBR) on the eve of America’s Independence Day earlier this month for the dedication of a memorial to veterans from the Red Bank area.
The Red Bank Veterans Monument is a massive 5-ton rectangular granite stone with a solid bronze eagle perched atop. It bears the names of Red Bank area veterans who served in World War II to the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting those killed in action.
The stone was blessed by Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna in his capacity as chaplain of the volunteer fire department, according to a press release from RBR.
Currently 135 names of four generations of American veterans are inscribed on its four sides with room for a total of 400 names.
By publicizing the monument, organizers hope the names of many more eligible area veterans will be added.
The idea for the monument was conceived by Red Bank resident Paul Sniffen, a Vietnam War veteran, and his network of Red Bank veterans who meet monthly, the release states.
Funds for the monument were raised by the veterans and their families. The total cost of the monument was $9,500 with the work to create the base and erect it done by the veterans with assistance from the school district.
According to the press release from RBR, Sniffen approached Superintendent Dr. Edward Westervelt last September with a proposal to locate the memorial on the high school grounds since it is the hub of the three-town community where many veterans spent a formative four years of their lives.
Sniffen said Westervelt and the Board of Education fully supported the idea and picked the location in front of the high school, directly across from the flag pole.
Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Leslie Taylor, president of the Red Bank Board of Education and a Vietnam War veteran.
Clockwise from top left: Red Bank-area veterans representing different military conflicts and branches of service attended the dedication. The newly dedicated Red Bank Veterans Memorial. Calvin Carhart and Harry Greenwood spoke of their service during WWII. Students take a look at the memorial. RBR Principal Ed Stefankiewicz also addressed the gathering, the release said, noting how important it is to have a monument on school grounds representing the people who shaped America’s history.
“Our students really have no idea what it means to leave everything you know and travel to a foreign land to fight for your country,” he said.
Also attending the memorial was Little Silver Mayor Suzanne Castleman and state Sen. Ellen Karcher. Lt. Col. Angelo Capolupo of the New Jersey National Guard represented Gov. Jon Corzine.
Two local World War II veterans, friends, Calvin Carhart and Harry Greenwood, drew smiles and laughter when they reminisced about their service to their country.
The two took differing paths in their armed service careers following the attack on Pearl Harbor until both were stationed in the European theater.
After they left the podium, Sniffen commented, “There is no wonder why we call them the greatest generation.”
The ceremony concluded with Gulf War veteran Kevin O’Malley lowering and raising the American flag. RBR sophomore Joseph Luckenbill played taps in honor of those who died in service to the country, the release stated.
Anyone wishing to add the name of a Red Bank area veteran to the Red Bank Veterans Monument can send proof of honorable service to Red Bank Vets, P.O. Box 99, Rumson, N.J. 07760.