Message from Councilman Roc White | January 27, 2023

I am tremendously proud of the vibrant group of active veterans who participate in the many programs and services the township offers throughout the year.

We are directed by a strong Veterans Advisory Committee, appointed at the beginning of the year. The committee includes Konstantine Zoganas, (Chair), Kevin Burns, Elaine Coupe, Ed Chrystal, Joseph Diacheysn and Jeffrey Noonan. I am pleased that my colleague, Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler, is serving as the governing body’s liaison for 2023.

The advisory group plays a critical role in recognizing, supporting and celebrating veterans throughout the year.

I am a U.S. Marine who proudly served in the Gulf War and has seen many veterans thrive when they returned from service. And I have also witnessed many of my fellow veterans struggle, reenforcing the need for our community to provide supports whenever and wherever possible.

I had the opportunity to accept the “We Value our Veterans Award” on behalf of Scotch Plains from Gov. Phil Murphy, who saluted all the work that is being done in our township to honor and remember our veterans.

Scotch Plains focuses on our veterans whenever possible.

During the holiday season, for example, we host the annual Wreaths Across America event at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church Cemetery (333 Park Ave. at Grand Street), where there are 120 veterans interred, including some who served during the Revolutionary War.

Through the efforts of American Legion Post 209 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10122, funds are continually raised to place remembrance wreaths on the headstones and to say the names of all the local heroes laid to rest there, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country are not, and never will be, forgotten. 

In November, we celebrated Veterans Day by closing Park Avenue and honoring the town’s veterans at our War Memorial on Park Avenue and Front Street. Hosted by our Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10122 and American Legion Post 209, Joe McCourt, VFW’s Post Adjutant, led the town’s annual tribute to our neighbors who served in the U.S. Military. 

At about the same time, we also gathered to honor United States Army Private Anthony Perrucci, who was killed in action during World War II. We honored this fallen hero with a ceremonial street sign placed at the intersections of Montague and Westfield Avenue and Stout and Westfield Avenue.

There is also the full schedule of events throughout Memorial Day weekend, featuring a barbeque honoring veterans at All Saints Episcopal Church on Park Avenue.

You may also have seen the banners affixed to street poles in our downtown, with the photos of our veterans. And we could not be prouder than to have the Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School named in honor of the late Tuskegee Airman who lived in Scotch Plains for his entire life. 

The primary message, over and over, to our veterans: Your sacrifice will never be forgotten in Scotch Plains.

We remain committed to recognizing our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. We extend our appreciation to all, may their patriotism and sacrifice forever be honored.