HVVA Salutes Local Veterans
Hopewell Valley Veterans Association pleased with ‘spirit of community’
By. R. Kurt Osenlund, Correspondent

Veterans Day arrived a few days early in Pennington, thanks to the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association (HVVA) who hosted their annual Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8. Held at the new Veterans Memorial at Alliger Park on Washington Crossing-Penning-ton Rd. from 11 a.m. to noon, the free event saw an attendance of approximately 200 people despite the inclement weather."We did have (the ceremony) outside and we did have quite a turnout," said HVVA community and public relations director Lauren Rosenstock. "It showed the spirit of the community and how they're dedicated to seeing the memorial develop as well as honoring the veterans."

Among those who gathered in the wind and rain were the mayors of all three local municipalities; Hopewell Township Mayor Vanessa Sandom, Pennington Mayor Anthony Persichelli, and Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano. Other local representatives, such as Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes and Congressman Rush Holt, were also present, but Rosenstock insisted that the day was devoted to those in uniform.

"More than anything," she said, "the event wasn't to showcase politicians but to pay tribute to the veterans who have served our community. They are the true heroes who need to be recognized."

And plenty of those heroes showed up. HVVA president and USAR Col. Kenneth Baker gave the ceremony's welcome address and opening remarks, retired Col. Robert Shaub gave the invocation, and retired Col. Stephen Abel, who serves as the New Jersey Deputy Commissioner for Veteran Affairs, offered a special Veterans Day speech.

Also on hand were the Naval Sea Cadets from Lawrenceville Township who were given the honor of presenting the national colors. According to Rosenstock, the Cadets' involvement allowed the day's proceedings to bridge the gap between young and old.

"The Sea Cadets were a great highlight," she said. "It brought a real generational feel to the ceremony. All ages were able to appreciate the beauty and significance of the park."

Alliger Park, which features a bronze eagle statue at its center and a brick walk-way as its perimeter, saw its official groundbreaking in 2006. So far, over $100,000 in funds has been raised to support the site's ongoing development. One of the ways HVVA has collected donations is through the sale of approximately 200 engraved bricks to be installed at the park (74 of which were purchased on Saturday). The "Buy a Brick Campaign," which was advertised at the event, will continue along with Alliger's construction.

"(HVVA) is currently raising funds for the second phase of development at Alliger Park," Rosenstock said. "Phase II will include a 42-space hard-surface parking lot with handicapped parking and access to the memorial. This will be an important addition for area veterans and residents with disabilities who are unable to visit the memorial without assistance."