Weehawken veterans and residents alike gathered on Thursday for a solemn remembrance and a bit of celebration.
This year, Nov. 11 marked not only the annual Veterans’ Day Memorial Service held at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, but also the 80th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Oulton-Kraft Post 1923.
After the service at the monument, attendees were invited back to the Senior Center for light refreshments and a small awards ceremony in honor of the special anniversary.
Two women, Lillian Martinelli and Helen Hams, were recognized for their support of the VFW through programs like the annual Poppy Drive and trip to Atlantic City.
Former members of the women’s auxiliary (which has since disbanded), Martinelli and Hams were both wives of former post commanders.
“I think we’re gonna see a little bit of a resurgence.” – Chuck Barone
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Fahy marched alongside his grandfather this year when Bradley led the Memorial Day Parade as Grand Marshall.
The quick-thinking Fahy was able to keep his grandfather safe and sound by utilizing his scout training to respond and get help when the heat got the best of Bradley along the route.
Importance of remembering
For the veterans involved in the VFW, both Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day are about much more than simple ceremonies or celebrations.
VFW Commander Chuck Barone said that the most important and touching thing about these holidays are when people show their appreciation and recognize the sacrifice that U.S. veterans have made for their country.
Barone, who flies his American flag every day, said he hopes that at the very least on these holidays other citizens will fly their flags as well.
For VFW Quartermaster Joe Fredericks, the most important call to veterans on these days is to pass the message along about what is being celebrated.
“Memorial Day is not just for barbecues,” said Fredericks.
Fredericks and VFW Sr. Vice Commander Joe Bradley often spend their time at local schools passing on their first-hand experiences from World War II.
“We don’t want people to forget,” said Bradley.
Known for sporting his veterans cap around town, Bradley said that when he’s out and about, he’ll often have three or four people a day come up to him and say “thank you” – a sentiment that is much appreciated by Bradley and all of the veterans, especially now as the crowds at remembrance ceremonies are dwindling.
“The crowd gets smaller each year,” said Fredericks. “It’s good we have these ceremonies so we remind people.”
Challenge of place
Named after two Weehawken soldiers killed in World War I, the Oulton-Kraft post was established in 1930 when they received their charter on Nov. 11.
And for all of its 80 years, the post has been based out of 309 Park Ave., which was once home to the township’s Police Department.
But the post has been without a physical home for a while – renovation work began on their three-story building last summer, which is being updated with new brickwork, windows, dormers, plumbing, and electric wiring.
The lack of place has inhibited some of the post’s activities recently as well as their efforts to attract new members – it’s hard to attract newcomers without a place to hang out and a space to hold fellowship events.
But the renovation is anticipated to be complete in time for a Memorial Day celebration in 2011. According to Barone, construction has begun on the exterior and once that is complete, the work will move inside of the building that will now be completely handicap accessible, which it was not before.
The building will house the VFW on the first floor, a meeting room on the second, and the Weehawken Historical Commission on the third.
The members of the VFW are hoping that the re-opening of their building will bring a sort of renaissance to the group.
They are anticipating holiday parties, an annual flea market, and most importantly, the nights during the week when the space is just open for veterans to come together casually to pass the time and connect.
“I think we’re gonna see a little bit of a resurgence,” said Barone. “A lot of veterans need a place they can go and speak to other veterans and without the post we can’t do that.”
Barone added that having the hall back for rentals, one of main sources of revenue for the group, will also equal more money for activities.
Christmas package drive continues
While the physical location is undergoing renovations, the VFW is still meeting monthly at St. Lawrence Church Hall on the last Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. with a continual open invitation to any veterans who would like to participate.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Weehawken Senior Citizens Club, the group is working on their drive to send Christmas packages to service men and women overseas.
Names and addresses of local military currently serving overseas (in any location, not just war areas) who could receive the packages are still being sought.
The information can be sent or brought to the Senior Nutrition Center, 201 Highwood Ave., Weehawken, NJ 07086 or called in to (201) 319-6059.
The names and addresses must be received no later than Nov. 17.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.