Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | June 2, 2022

On Monday, Americans gathered for Memorial Day ceremonies and parades in towns like Scotch Plains across the land.  We come together every year, on the last Monday each May, to honor servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice; they gave their lives for our Country.
 
As a younger man, I admit, there were times that I did not give that fact the importance and significance it deserves.
 
More than one million Americans have lost their lives defending our Country and the important principles that our Country stands for. Each of us is equal to the other; and each of us possesses fundamental rights, including the right to liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law and the freedom of assembly.
 
As the war in Ukraine reminds us, these are principles worth dying for.
 
We honor and remember those who lost their lives serving our Country, especially those American heroes from Scotch Plains.
 
The Township recently presented a Resolution to the niece of Thomas Reiley, a Scotch Plains resident who defended America in World War II and the Korean War.
 
The June 1945 edition of the “Scotch Plainsman” honored Mr. Reiley for being awarded the Silver Star for “gallantry in action against the enemy in Germany” and a Purple Heart, for “wounds received at that time.” 
 
In 1950, Mr. Reiley was captured by the enemy and died as a prisoner of war.
 
I am proud to say Prospect Avenue at Scotland Street is now known as “SFC Thomas Reiley Way – US Army - Korean War.” We recently held a ceremony with Mr. Reiley’s survivors, including his niece, Maureen.
 
This town proudly honors its Veterans.  It is why we have gathered to observe Memorial Day for more than 75 years and will do so forever.
 
It is because Scotch Plains is grateful.  We are grateful to the original American patriots, some of whom are buried just a few blocks from here, and to every other patriot who has fallen since.  We thank them all.
 
As we do our Veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces.  We thank you for your service to our Country as well.
 
All of us love how our streets are decorated with photographs of fellow residents who have served in the United States military.
 
As mayor, I have had the honor of meeting many residents and it brings me so much joy recognizing the younger faces of people I have come to know and respect.
 
I passed Bob LaCosta’s banner with my daughter the other day.  I told my daughter how I have worked with Bob since joining the Town Council and how much Bob has done for our Country, and this town as our long-time Construction Official/Zoning Officer.
 
Ralph Checchio, the Grand Marshal of our parade, I have come to know and admire.  A man who built a big business in town, who served his Country before that, and this town ever since.
 
In a recent interview featured on TAPinto, Mr. Checchio responded to a question, “What was Vietnam like?”
 
"When we landed, we were at a navy base,” he said.  “There was nothing happening. Then we moved, and the (blank) hit the fan."
 
For centuries, Scotch Plains residents, like Checchio and LaCosta, Erb, Burns, Reiley, my friend and colleague, Councilman Roc White, and so many others, have bravely answered our nation’s call.
 
Our Country, while not perfect, strives, year after year, to live up to its ideals and create a more perfect union for us all.
 
We, the living, get that chance.  We are burdened with that awesome responsibility because of the bravery and sacrifice of others.
 
Scotch Plains thanks Veterans and those in active duty today and every day.  Scotch Plains will always honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America.