Help family enhance a worthy legacy
By. Mae Rhine, Managing Editor
Many in the area still remember Charlie “Big Red” Danberry of West Amwell Township, the shy boy so nicknamed because he blushed so easily.
But do they recall there is a memorial stone on Ely Field near Lambertville Public School in honor of the 19-year-old Marine who was killed just six days after arriving in Vietnam?
When renovations were made to Ely Field, including the relocation of the ballfield, the stone was not moved. It was put there because young Danberry so loved sports.
He was active in the 8-12 Little League and excelled at South Hunterdon Regional High School where he graduated in 1967.
Danberry’s family wants the stone moved closer to the ballfield and a flagpole erected next to it. And they’re heartened by the generosity of businesses, individuals — such as his classmates, who just had their 40th reunion — and organizations such as the Lambertville post of the American Legion.
But more help is needed. Although the city has given its approval, the family must pay for everything themselves.
Classmate Donna Buchanan Zambella and her husband, John, owners of Sneddon’s, are collecting donations. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at Ely Field.
Danberry was one of 16 men from Hunterdon killed during the Vietnam War.
His family deserves your support.
Mail donations payable to the Zambellas, but with “Danberry” in the memo line, to 4 Mountainview Road, Lambertville, 08530.