Dear Editor:
With Memorial Day here it seems an appropriate time to bring to light the misuse and desecration of one of Jersey City’s historic landmarks, Pershing Field.
In 1918 Pershing Field was named for General John J. Pershing, a legendary commander of World War I. It has the privilege of honoring those soldiers from Jersey City that lost their lives during World War I, World War II, the Korean War as well as the Vietnam War. Pershing Field was first dedicated to these heroes on July 4, 1922, when the memorial “America Triumphant” by James Novelli was unveiled commemorating the 147 soldiers that gave their lives for our freedom during the First World War. In addition to this memorial there are cement markers with individualized bronze engraved plaques bordering pathways throughout the park honoring soldiers from both World War I and World War II. These memorials and the ground they stand on have been blessed on numerous occasions by various religious factions.
The memorials were erected in a passive section of the park so that future generations would not forget the sacrifices made by these heroes.
Unfortunately it appears that our fallen heroes have not only been forgotten but are being mocked by the misuse in this section of Pershing Field. In the past three years or so, sporting events are being allowed to take place in this area, and the memorial markers and statues are being treated as no more than baseball bases or seats or a podium on which to stand.
As a member of the Pershing Field Neighborhood Association and a concerned citizen, I would ask you as Mayor and Councilmen to look into this matter and see if we can capture the respect and honor that these memorials deserve.
Yours truly,
Herbert C. Huels