HOWELL – The township honored its veterans at a dedication ceremony that culminated in a ribbon-cutting to unveil their newly-created “Wall of Heroes.”
The event began with the Howell Township Police Honor Guard’s entrance, and the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America by Howell High School’s “One Voice” acapella group.
Speaking before a large group of attendees, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond welcomed a list of dignitaries from both the township and the county who were present, before turning her attention to the veterans and their families. Richmond asked those in attendance who had done military service to stand and be acknowledged to the applause of the audience.
“As I went through the list of the names,” said Richmond, “we have some pretty cool heroes here.”
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony was Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, who brought with him a ceremonial proclamation commemorating the event. Before presenting the framed proclamation to Richmond, Arnone took a few moments to mark the occasion and speak on behalf of the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners.
“On behalf of each and every one,” said Arnone, “and I know I speak on behalf of each and every one sincerely, thank you. And that’s all we could say to you. Thank you and God bless you.” Earlier in his remarks, Arnone expressed his desire to see more tributes like the Howell Wall of Heroes.
“That’s what I think society is missing,” he said regarding honoring veterans. “But it’s becoming now, that we have to show it. Not just on events, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, which are very special, but to continue throughout the year.”
Before reading the proclamation aloud and handing the proceedings back to Richmond, Arnone again expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices of the veterans, and the need of all levels of government to recognize them.
“You deserve these special events,” said Arnone, “and it’s important for governing bodies, and counties, and states, and our country to remember that.”
Richmond recounted for the crowd how the Wall of Heroes came to fruition, and the significance that it had to her personally. Several types of memorials were considered, and she admitted that as different proposals came about, “I just took it from there and it just kept evolving.” She indicated that she had even gone to several similar displays to see how other towns chose to honor their veterans.
“I also really want to discuss how this came to be, and I’m going to try to get through this without getting emotional,” she said. “I can’t. This is very important to me.”
With Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell by her side, Richmond was overcome at several points of her speech as she recalled members of her own family who had served.
“My grandfather,” said Richmond as she paused to collect herself, “was a World War II army pilot. Purple heart recipient. My dad and my brother were both marines. I have extended family who have served with various branches of the military. So, when I see a soldier in uniform, or see a gentleman wearing a hat, or a lady wearing a hat, I always want to make sure I let them know how much I appreciate them. I’m from a very patriotic family. Serving as Deputy Mayor allows me the opportunity to put something of this magnitude together to honor our military.”
Unlike similar memorials in other townships, the Howell Wall of Heroes will not hold printed photographs in frames. The township has opted to run a 55-inch flat screen monitor that will present a computer slide show of veterans, featuring their names, dates of service, and the branch of the military in which they served, as patriotic music plays in the background.
“This allows us to add more heroes at any time,” explained Richmond, “without messing up the symmetry of the wall.”
In order for veterans to be displayed on the Wall of Heroes, there are only three requirements. In addition to filling out the proper application, the individual has to have served in any of the branches of the U.S. military, and the individual must have some connection to the Township of Howell.
“I personally felt, in my heart, if anyone had the courage to wear a uniform at any time, at any aspect,” continued Richmond, “was much, much more than I could have ever done. I don’t have the courage, or the bravery, to do what any of you have done. So, with that said, I just figured it be a really good opportunity to allow for anyone, in any aspect, to be honored.”
In addition to the video display, a small circular table sits in the corner, with a place setting for one individual. The table commemorates P.O.W. and M.I.A. veterans, and a posted display next to the table explains that the single place setting symbolizes “the isolation of the absent service member and the frailty of one alone against his or her oppressors.”
“This is a legacy that I want to see go on long after I leave office,” Richmond concluded. “I want to say thank you for your service, thank you for your bravery, and your courage.”
The Wall of Heroes is prominently located in the foyer at the west entrance to the Howell Municipal Building. The display runs a continuous loop of the township’s veterans with the photographs and service information as provided by the families of those who served. Any individuals who wish to be added to the display may do so by filing an application with the township, and may call (732) 938-4500 ext. 2102 for further details.
