Millstone may regulate activities at memorial
Demonstrations would have to take place 150 feet away from site
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - The township plans to introduce new rules for actions around its Veterans Memorial.

According to Mayor Nancy Grbelja, Rick Brody, the chairman of the Millstone Township Veterans Memorial Council came before the Township Committee on May 16 with a proposed ordinance that would prohibit certain activities at and near the memorial. She said he wanted to make sure people paying respects or reflecting at the memorial would not be interrupted.

Since the Township Committee thought Brody's proposed ordinance might infringe on people's First Amendment rights, it had its attorney look at the document.

"We weren't sure if it was appropriate or if it was legally beneficial," Grbelja said. "Our attorney, Duane Davison, looked at it and suggested a revision."

On June 20, the committee announced that the attorney had written two ordinances regarding the matter that it would introduce at its July 11 meeting.

The first ordinance, as described by Grbelja, cites the township's interest in maintaining a calm and tranquil atmosphere at the memorial so that visitors can remember and commemorate those who served the country.

"People should be able to go there in peace and not be disturbed by people who may have an opposing view," Grbelja said.

Committeeman Steven Sico said he read both proposed ordinances and feels comfortable with the language in them.

"They have the spirit and intent of what Mr. Brody was looking for," Sico said. "I believe they are appropriate and should be on [the agenda] for a first reading."

Committeeman Elias Abilheira said he believes the proposed ordinances uphold constitutional standards. However, he said the township may be creating regulations for a problem that does not exist.

"I support the veterans wholeheartedly," he said. "But this legislation is for a problem that doesn't exist, and I don't know if it ever will."

Committeeman Ramin Dilfanian, who has served in the military, said that Brody cited a protest incident on Memorial Day that disturbed visitors at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., as the catalyst for bringing such an ordinance to the attention of the township. Dilfanian called the proposed ordinances "preventative measures."

"We don't want it to happen in our township," he said.

Brody said that the ordinance would not only protect visitors to the memorial from falling subject to protests and other demonstrations, but would also keep other activities not characteristic of such a place from happening there. He cited sports and fundraising as examples of other uncharacteristic activities for a place of mourning and reflection.

Brody called the memorial, which is located on Stagecoach Road next to the municipal building, "holy ground to veterans." He said officials have a duty to safeguard "this sacred place" as a protection to the memory of those who served in the armed forces. He said the memorial, a project that was started in 2000 and dedicated on Veterans Day in 2001, is specific to United States military veterans who served honorably.

The memorial is also an important place for returning troops who use it to sit and remember their fallen brethren, he said.

Brody said he hopes the public will come out in support of the ordinances. He said the ordinance would not inhibit an individual's right to speak or demonstrate and that any such activities can still be approved by the Township Committee through a permit process.

Grbelja said the proposed ordinances would not restrict anyone from voicing their opinions, but would instead make certain that activities are held at least 150 feet away from the township's Veterans Memorial.

"We are protecting people's First Amendment right to free speech, but setting up guidelines in the event that [a demonstration] does occur," she said.

Brody said the distance of 150 feet would put activities on the road in front of the memorial or near the driveway of the municipal building.

Sico said he believes the proposed ordinances would protect the sanctity of the monument.

"That's the intent of what Mr. Brody brought before the committee on behalf of the veterans," he said, "and we as a committee should support that."