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Councilman Roc White

Message from Councilman Roc White | May 11, 2023

Our nation has a rich history of military service, with millions of men and women having served in the armed forces since 1776. Our veterans, through incredible sacrifice, have protected the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. While we may never be able to fully repay them for their service, it is important that we take time to honor and celebrate our soldiers for their dedication and bravery.

Scotch Plains is eager to celebrate our veterans through public recognition, such as our upcoming Memorial Day parade, the renaming of streets, Veterans Day commemorations and other special events throughout the year.

Today, as you drive down Park Avenue, our street poles are once again adorned with the images and names of local veterans who have served. I am honored to be on one of those street poles too, amidst so many brave men and women from Scotch Plains who served with honor.

As a veteran, I cherish how these programs allow the Scotch Plains community to join together and show our appreciation for the sacrifices that local veterans have made. These events also serve as a teaching tool for township students, who learn from us how veterans should be honored, their stories of sacrifice repeatedly told.

Another way to celebrate veterans is through community service. Veterans often face unique challenges upon their return to civilian life, including physical and mental health issues, difficulty finding employment, and readjusting to civilian life. By volunteering our time and resources to help these individuals, we can further show our gratitude.

Not only does Scotch Plains honor veterans, we also recognize the sacrifices that families of veterans make. Many don’t recognize how loved ones endure long periods of separation and may also face financial and emotional hardships. By providing support and resources to these families, we can help ease the burden of their sacrifices and further show our appreciation.

While we look forward to Memorial Day celebrations, it is important to remember that celebrating veterans is not just a one-day event in Scotch Plains. We are proud of our  continual efforts to honor and support those who have served. By keeping their sacrifices in mind and continuing to support their needs, we can ensure that their service to our country is never forgotten.

Our Memorial Day celebrations begin this year on Sunday, May 21, when an annual barbeque is scheduled for Scotch Plains veterans and their families at Jerseyland Park Community Center, 783 Jerusalem Road, from 3-5 p.m.  The event – to commemorate, honor and remember – takes place under the pavilion, rain or shine. Veterans are asked to RSVP by May 15 by calling 908-472-6096. I appreciate the Veterans Recognition Committee for hosting this event.

Sights are also set on Memorial Day weekend, when so many volunteers from our community have come together to create a program that will be memorable and fulfilling. As a veteran, I am proud to play a role in organizing this memorable weekend.

The annual parade with Fanwood is set for Monday, May 29.  There will be a ceremony at the gazebo at Park Avenue and Front Street at 10:00 a.m.; the parade steps off promptly at 10:45 a.m.

Air Force veteran Oshanda Erb will serve as grand marshal – the first female of color and member of the LGBTQ community to be selected. Oshanda has spent more than 20 years serving in the military, four and a half years on active duty and another 16 years as a reservist. She first enlisted when she was 17 years old, turning down a partial scholarship to play college volleyball in upstate New York. 

She is now Program Manager for KC-46 aircraft at McGuire Air Force Base, collecting software data to track maintenance, history, and sustainment. KC-46 aircraft are used to refill other aircraft in the air. Oshanda also serves as a First Sergeant in the 732 Airlift Squadron, overseeing her squadron and making sure all operations run smoothly.

We are thrilled to have her as grand marshal – the ideal choice.

As always, the popular parade float contest will be part of this year’s ceremonies. There will be prizes awarded for the top three floats: 1st Place $750; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $300.

Floats will incorporate the 2023 parade theme: “Memorial Day… Remember and Honor.” Together, we will recognize the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of all members of our Armed Forces who have defended our nation and continue to protect our country.

By keeping veterans’ sacrifices in mind and continuing to support their needs throughout the year, we can ensure that their service to our country is never forgotten.