Upper Freehold plans plaque of remembrance
Names of residents serving in military sought for project
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD - A group of local residents wants to make sure that those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored and remembered.

The group has proposed creating a plaque of remembrance for servicemen and servicewomen who have already served and for those on active duty.

Bruce Novozinsky, spokesman for the group, said the idea for the plaque sprung from a dinner that was hosted by the Allentown High School Parent Golf Association Foundation (AHSpga) and the high school's golf coach, Doug Hunt, Principal Christopher Nagy and Athletic Director Brian Irwin to end the AHS golf team's season. Special and honored guests at the event included Committeeman and Air Force Reserve Majs. Stephen and Linda Alexander and Marine Cpl. Matthew Blanchard.

"It was that night that the idea was hatched to recognize those who have served or are serving in the war against terrorism," Novozinsky said.

At the Sept. 6 Township Committee meeting, Novozinsky said that the original plan was to erect a plaque honoring graduates of AHS who went on to serve and to lay a wreath at the site each month. However, Novozinsky said that a plaque at AHS honoring the school's graduates would be limiting in that it would not include servicemen and servicewomen who have younger students in the community.

"Shouldn't these kids be able to see their dad's or mom's names displayed as well?" he asked.

Novozinsky asked the Township Committee if the plaque should be limited to recognizing Upper Freehold residents or if it should include those in neighboring Allentown and Millstone.

Deputy Mayor William Miscoski, a Vietnam War veteran, said he thinks Novozinsky's idea is great. Miscoski said the plaque should include Upper Freehold and Allentown residents' names and that he is in favor of Upper Freehold funding the whole project.

The Township Committee expressed the possibly of making the plaque a budget line item next year, but it also discussed the possibility of keeping the project completely dependent on private donations.

Mayor Stephen Fleischacker said that while he supports the plaque effort, the town just put together a tight budget and may not have the $700 or $800 for the plaque available in next year's budget. He said next year's Township Committee members will decide whether to put the plaque in the budget or to contribute to the project as individuals.

Miscoski, who has recently been critical of funding some joint ventures with neighboring Allentown, added, "Maybe if Allentown gave us what they owe us, we can do it."

Novozinsky said the plaque's location has not yet been determined and also suggested the possibility of making it mobile so it could be displayed during local parades. He said the group will also continue to discuss the plaque's upkeep and whether a live wreath will be kept on it for the duration of the war.

"Those who join the committee to honor all who serve will be the catalysts to answer those questions," he said.

Novozinsky said the plaque will be "evergreen," meaning that names can be added to it to represent all called to serve in the future.

"We are living through a war that is easy to get complacent with," he said. "It's almost taken for granted that when another car bomb goes off in Baghdad, it does not strike us as really news anymore.

"Seeing the names of those in our community who are feeling the physical effects of those bombs and witnessing the aftermath brings a personal touch to our lives and hopefully a pause for remembrance," he continued, adding, "I have one vision for this remembrance: dignified."

Novozinsky said he personally knows of seven families in the township who have loved ones who served in the war. He would like for the community at large to get involved in the project and is seeking the names of residents in any branch of military service that have served or are currently serving.

"The committee as it stands today encourages children and young adults to take a prominent role in this effort," Novozinsky said. "They are assured their views and input will be valued."

A public meeting about the project will take place starting at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 in Lynwood Estates.

For more information, contact Bruce Novozinsky at (609) 477-0954 or e-mail ahspga@optonline.net.