Dear Editor:
The dedication for this memorial was originally scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2002. Because of the hurricane like conditions that morning on the Pier A site, it was impossible to go at that time. Because of the severe wind, the tent that was ordered for inclement weather, was impossible to put up. A decision was made to delay this event for two hours, and people that were showing up, regardless of the bad weather, were asked to come back at that time.
As the morning proceeded, it became evident that indeed this storm would blow over. At about 10:30 a.m. the sky cleared, and the rain subsided enough to finally erect the tent. People started to show up, and a lone Bagpipe played in the open field behind the monument. About 350 people arrived on that cold damp day, and the people that were there really wanted to be.
The families of the nine Hoboken Heroes came to finally receive the honors that their young sons have been waiting for. It’s been over 30 years, and they couldnt have been asked to wait even one more day. Even with the severe weather that day, the sun shined down on that black granite stone. Although it was cold that day, the stone was warm to the touch. Id like to think it was the warmth received from the heart of the people that were there.
The ceremony began with five Honor Guards carrying a sea of American Flags. The National Anthem was beautifully sung by Maria Tessinari, followed by prayers and blessings given by a two tour Vietnam veteran, Father Kenneth Herbster, from Our Lady of Grace Church. There were speeches made by Veterans and finally the unveiling. During this part of the ceremony, while the Bagpipe was playing Amazing Grace, a bell was rung for each of the nine men. At that point a family member, or representative walked up to the stone, escorted by a Boy Scout, to place a single rose at its base. The first to be called was the family of Raymond Brereton. Ray’s mother, Tessie, although she is 90 years old, found the strength, to walk up to that stone along with her daughter Terri and her son George.
After the names of the nine men were called, the bell was then rung for those that died from war related causes after they returned home. It was a beautiful ceremony regardless of the weather. It was one that Ill never forget.
Finally, a Mayoral Proclamation was read by Senator Bernard Kenny Jr., and Taps was played by Dennis Peck of The Blessed Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
As people left, the Bagpipe played in the background. Like the Nine Brave men we were there to Honor, along with this ceremony, it will be a day I will never forget.
Bobby Hancox, Vice Chairman
Hoboken Veterans Memorial Committee