To the editor:

  “Honor me, by honoring others.” These are some of the last words my grandfather told me before he passed away three years ago. Stanley Lawrence Tokars was a Chicago firefighter in the 1960s during the city’s race riots. Larry was confident, humble and proud to serve his community. He taught me to live life unselfishly and focus on the positive characteristics in people.

To honor him this year, my husband and I purchased a memorial brick in tribute to his brother Joseph, who served in the Navy during World War II. This brick is a permanent part of the veterans memorial at Alliger Park and was recently unveiled at the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association’s Memorial Day celebration.

As a member of the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association, I would like to thank the more than three hundred citizens who attended the Memorial Day celebration. The event featured an unveiling of an eagle statuary, benediction, rifle salute, and reading of bricks donated in honor of veterans. The public showed a strong sense of civic pride, solidarity, and community spirit. We were honored to stand with you as we paid tribute to the many grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and family members who served honorably in war and conflict. We thank you for your attendance and support.

The Hopewell Valley Veterans Association would also like to thank the following organizations and individuals for making the celebration successful:  American Legion Post 339; AmQuip Crane Corporation; Thiel Monument Company; Hopewell Township Fire Department; Hopewell Township Police Department; Hopewell Valley EMS; Hopewell Township Public Works; Boy Scout Troop 1776;  Hopewell Township Deputy Mayor John Murphy; Pennington Borough Council President Edwin "Weed" Tucker; Councilman David Knights; Police Chief George Meyer; Lieutenant Lance Maloney; Detective Ray Pental; Victor Silvestrov; Peter Van Hise; Charlie Bethea; Darren Williamson; Paul Davis; David Nicolas Toth; Wenonah Brooks-Hines; Tex McAlinden; Edith Silver and Joshua Mendelsohn.

Special recognition is also given to Joe Toth and Officer Mike Toth for their patriotism, dedication to the community, and assistance with the rifle salute and military honors.

The event would not have been possible without the hard work of the following Veterans Association members: Ken Baker, Bill Meytrott, David Lowe, Joseph Kianka, Fred Van Liew, Nancy Canto, Tom Blair, Bob Kraeger, Robert Shaub, Morgan Van Hise and Sevy DiCocco. These members spent hours of their free time to produce a memorable event.

Our Association’s mission is to honor local veterans through the construction of a public memorial site. The completion of the memorial rests on donations from citizens and corporations. Residents can also volunteer for upcoming events, assist with the future development of an interpretive museum at the site, help document the histories of local veterans, or become a member. You can join the Association for many reasons. I became a member to pay tribute to local veterans and honor the hero that I was named after, my grandfather.