Message from Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | May 23, 2025

We have reached an important moment in the year, as we gather to honor and remember those from Scotch Plains who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

I invite you all to the annual Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade, taking place on Monday, May 26.  The theme of this year’s parade is In Memory of Many, In Honor of All.

It is a special year; the parade will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1945. We are proud to have a grand marshal who is a member of the Greatest Generation. Greg Ruffa, 100, was a pilot in the Army Air Corps who bravely flew missions in the South Pacific.

Born in Raritan in 1925, he enlisted to fight in the war after he learned he had earned enough credits through three years of high school to graduate. Ruffa flew a P-51D Mustang, a long-range, high-altitude fighter plane used for escorting bombers.

Ruffa completed three years of service in the Air Force, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He then ran his own advertising agency for nearly 75 years. A gifted artist, he is responsible for the design of PSE&G's logo.

This year, we also have the opportunity to celebrate the 2024 grand marshals – Brian and Father David Santos – who did not have the opportunity to march last year. The parade was cancelled because of heavy rain.

It is always important to underscore that Memorial Day is more than just a day off from work or the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn occasion to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Taking time to acknowledge and reflect on their sacrifice is essential.

As we pause and pay tribute, we are also reminded of the true cost of freedom. The men and women who died in service represent that price, and acknowledging their sacrifice helps us to understand the value of the freedoms we enjoy. 

Let’s reflect on the principles of liberty and democracy that these individuals fought to protect, while providing important lessons to our children who don’t understand the trauma to families when loved ones go off to war. We need future generations to know and appreciate the very specific reason why their schools are closed on Monday.

I also see our parade as a time to show support to the families and loved ones of fallen service members. Knowing that our community joins together to remember can provide some measure of comfort. Public recognition of the sacrifice helps to validate grief and shows that the loss is not forgotten. 

Below is the schedule for Monday, with events in both Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Please join us!

• 9 a.m. - Memorial service and presentation of wreaths at the Fanwood Memorial Library, 5 Forest Road.  
• 10 a.m. - Memorial service and presentation of wreaths at the town gazebo (Park Avenue and Front Street) in downtown Scotch Plains.
• 10:45 a.m. - At the gazebo, the parade will step off on Park Avenue, march down Martine Avenue into downtown Fanwood and end at La Grande Park. 

Together, let’s take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died in service. On this Memorial Day, and every Memorial Day, we can ensure that their memory lives on and their contributions to our nation are never forgotten.