Message from Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | November 8, 2024

On Monday, Scotch Plains will mark Veterans Day.

It is important to note that this will not be a celebration. Rather, Monday will serve as a solemn commemoration – which we proudly observe on November 11 each year. 

Residents will gather at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Alan M. Augustine Village Green; I hope you can take part. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10122 and American Legion Post 209 will conduct a service in observance at the War Memorial on Park Avenue and Front Street.

The event will serve as another poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. 

Veterans Day is our opportunity to honor and express our gratitude to our veterans, in Scotch Plains and across the world, who have selflessly defended our nation's freedoms and protected our way of life.

The significance of Veterans Day extends far beyond a federal holiday in which government offices are closed.

Let us use this special time for reflection, remembrance, and appreciation for the men and women who have answered the call to duty, often leaving behind their families, careers, and comforts to serve our country. 

These brave individuals have faced adversity, endured hardships, and demonstrated unwavering courage in the face of danger. Their sacrifices have shaped our nation's history and ensured our continued liberty.

Veterans Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the unique challenges faced by those who have served. Many veterans return home with physical and emotional wounds that require ongoing support and care. 

It is imperative that we as a society provide them with the resources and services they need to heal and transition back into civilian life. By honoring their service and addressing their needs, we can demonstrate our deep appreciation for their selfless contributions to our nation.

I also believe Veterans Day must serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving peace and freedom. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless generations to defend our nation's values and protect our way of life. 

By honoring our veterans, we reaffirm our commitment to these ideals and strive to build a better future for all.

I was proud and honored to serve our country. So were countless residents of Scotch Plains, through the generations, some of whom we honor with “toppers” on the street signs where they lived.

We remain in debt to their sacrifices. On this Veterans Day, we reaffirm our commitment to providing them the support they need, today, tomorrow and for as long as the stars and stripes shall wave.