Message from Councilman Roc White | May 20, 2022
Scotch Plains is enormously proud of our veterans, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in this democracy.
As we look to Memorial Day, and the number of events that are planned throughout the weekend to remember those who perished in service to our country, it is an important time to reaffirm our commitment to honoring those residents who have proudly worn the uniform.
Many are unaware that Scotch Plains has been honored on the statewide level for our commitment to veterans, as we offer many programs throughout the year, far beyond the traditional recognition of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
In fact, in November, I had the privledge of attending an event at the Vietnam War Memorial in Holmdel to accept an award from Gov. Phil Murphy, honoring the special way in which Scotch Plains honors our veterans. It is called the “We Value Our Veterans” Award, given to municipalities that earn 145 points in various criteria.
For Scotch Plains, it was well-deserved. Our community continually and aggressively looks for ways to honor veterans, so the criteria were simple to achieve. For example, we received points for honoring veterans at public meetings and events, holding our Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, as well as providing continual resources to help our veterans as much as possible.
Just as we were accepting the award from the governor, Scotch Plains was joining the family of Sgt. John Barich on Hunter Avenue to unveil a “topper” on the street sign at East Second Street. Sgt. Barich was one of the heroes from Scotch Plains that we lost during World War II, and this dedication was certainly a long time coming.
And – at that same time – we also joined the school board and other members of the Scotch Plains and Fanwood communities to mark the name change of Park Middle School. It is now named the Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School in honor of the late Tuskegee Airman who lived in Scotch Plains for his entire life. He died last September at age 101, a national hero.
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 have served with honor.
Our sights are now 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 for all who participate. As a veteran, I am proud to play a role in organizing this memorable weekend.
It all begins this Sunday, May 22, when an annual barbeque is scheduled for Scotch Plains veterans and their families at All Saints Episcopal Church, 559 Park Ave. from 3-5 p.m. Please RSVP to
The Memorial Day Weekend is chock full of events of honor and remembrance culminating in the parade on Memorial Day!
We all lost the opportunity in 2020 and 2021 to have a full-fledged parade. We were still able to hold scaled-down ceremonies, but something felt lost.
So, it is more than fitting that this year’s concert it titled “Together Again,” as we are able to offer this popular musical event for nine years and counting. The May 27 event (with a May 29 rain date) will take place on Alan Augustine Village Green, adjacent to the municipal building (430 Park Ave.) in downtown Scotch Plains, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The event will feature a Support-the-Troops style production with two headliners: Scotch Plains native Mike Marino and music by a terrific oldies group, The Cameos.
I’m particularly looking forward to the return of the downtown parade, with a very appropriate title: “We Don’t Know Them All, But We Owe Them All.”
Memorial Day, on May 30, begins with a memorial service and presentation of wreaths at 9 a.m. at the Fanwood Memorial Library (5 Forest Road). A memorial tribute and laying of wreaths will take place at 10 a.m. at the gazebo on Park Avenue and Front Street in downtown Scotch Plains.
Then, starting at 10:45 a.m., at the gazebo in downtown Scotch Plains, the 2022 Memorial Day Parade will proceed along Park Avenue, to Martine Avenue, into downtown Fanwood. The parade will end at La Grande Park in Fanwood.
We could not have a better grand marshal: Vietnam veteran Ralph Checchio, longtime chair of the Memorial Day Parade Committee, will be honored in that role for his years of service to veterans, as well as the community at-large.
While the annual parade is funded by Scotch Plains and Fanwood, the concert relies on the generosity of donors. There are so many individuals, local merchants, area businesses and community groups who are stepping up to ensure we have a memorable show to kick off Memorial Day weekend.
But we do need more help. Those interested in making a last-minute donation to the concert or to participate in the parade, please contact Bob LaCosta at the Township of Scotch Plains at (908) 939-8448 or
I look forward to seeing everyone during the Memorial Day program – just a week away – the latest way in which Scotch Plains honors and remembers our local heroes.
