By Linda Seida, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — Stacy Rose is a U.S. Marine through and through.
As they say, once a Marine, always a Marine.
People still call him Sarge, despite the fact the career military man is retired after serving in the Korean War and Vietnam.
His cell phone treats callers to the Marines’ Hymn while the service provider pinpoints his location. It’s rousing, and it makes you want to sing along: “From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli . . .”
Mr. Rose is trying to raise interest in a project — designed to help remember other veterans — at Mary Sheridan Park . The project’s goal is to restore the ground surrounding a monument that features a soldier from the Civil War. A real Civil War cannon also sits there.
”I’m 77, and it’s been there ever since I’ve been around,” Mr. Rose said of the monument. “Back when I was growing up, we used to play there a lot.”
The names of 55 Union soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Union are inscribed on the back side of the monument, plus a list of battles they fought.
According to the Historical Marker Data Base, the Civil War monument was dedicated in 1870, five years after the war ended. The monument was moved from its original location in Mount Hope Cemetery to the York Street Park when the park was established 30 years later. The park was later renamed for longtime city clerk, Mary Sheridan, who also served as mayor.
Mr. Rose and fellow members of an organization, the Friends of the Park, are raising funds through a “buy a brick” program.
Bricks purchased to honor veterans will be set in a special spot, in the ground surrounding the monument.
Bricks to honor others also can be purchased and will help to rebuild the walkway, replacing the broken asphalt.
People who don’t want to buy a brick, but who still want to contribute, are welcome to participate, Mr. Rose said. “All the donations are gladly accepted,” he said.
Three lines on a 4-by-8 inch brick cost $50. Six lines on an 8-by-8 inch brick go for $100. These prices are for veterans and individuals.
For a business or organization, six lines on an 8-by-8 inch brick go for $125. The same size brick with an engraved business logo costs $500.
Order forms can be found on the city’s website at http://lambertvillenj.org/filestorage/94/Pave_the_Way_order_form.pdf.
Checks can be mailed or dropped off at City Hall, 18 York St.
Make checks payable to “Friends of the Park monument fundraiser.”
For more information, contact Acting Clerk Cynthia Ege at 397-0110.

