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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2789
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 9:49 am: | 
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South Orange Memorial Day Tribute
In honor of the men and women who lost their lives in service to our country and defending its freedoms, the Township of South Orange Village and its Board of Trustees encourage veterans, spouses of deceased veterans, and the general public to attend a Memorial Day tribute. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and will be held on May 29th at Memorial Rock in South Orange by the Duck Pond. Speakers include Village President Bill Calabrese, Village Counsel and Vietnam Veteran Ed Matthews, and Iraq War Veteran Rodney Abrams. South Orange’s Boy Scout Troop 60 will provide the Honor Guard and a bugler.
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Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9572
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 10:38 am: |
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Followed by the ripping out of the AK-47 on Flood's Hill. With the traditional first pull going to the vets.
Refreshments to be served. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5147
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 10:41 pm: |
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Mark
You have got to be kidding right? Why do we have three BOT members doing the speaking? Calabrese and Matthews should NOT be speaking! The only one of the three who should is Vet Abrams! And I sure hope he goes off about the disgrace on the hill. I wonder if the police would arrest any of the Vets who altered the display? How can Matthews speak as a Vet and want us to honor him when he allows the display to remain on the hill. As town counsel I am sure he could find a legal way for it to be removed. If he really wanted to.
What's so frustrating to me if how I defended these two as much as I did last year. I'm now embarassed for doing so. |
tom vilardi
Citizen
Username: Tlv350
Post Number: 42
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 7:23 am: |
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Thank you for the reminder Mark. We have attended previously and even though we are relative newcomers to town (12+years) we have taken the time to read the plaque with the names of those from town who lost their lives in the Service.
The Village President and the other Trustees/Admin. who attend always do a good job introducing the VFW/American Legion representatives, the Fire Dept., Police and other "organizations" and assist in the placement of wreaths, etc.
While everyone who speaks is not necessarily a Veteran, I think Bill Calabrese' father (who may have passed by now) was a WWI veteran, and as I recall from previous years such remembrances were special to the old man who relied upon Bill to take care of him and bring him to the ceremony in his waning years. My Dad and Father in law are Vets of WWII and Korea. They remember and will talk one-on-one about their experiences, but don't want to take center stage in the ceremonies - that has always been left up to the "Mayor, Council and Post Commanders".
Again, thank you Mark - it is a nice gathering for Remembrances. No parades, no long speeches - just some brief words, placing of American flags, wreaths and then you can take the time to read the inscriptions and perhaps walk around the duck pond and discuss with your children.
Tom |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5150
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 7:34 am: |
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Tom
South Orange use to have a parade. I can't remember exactly, but I think it use to start at the old grave yard on Valley where Vets were buried and would end at the rock by the duck pond. I remember it use to be a big deal with different Vets, Color Guards etc.
Our Vets deserve to be honored for al they've done for us. |
Nancy - LibraryLady
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3480
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 8:42 am: |
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I will certainly try to make it to the ceremony. Bill's stories always add such a human touch to these events, and having two Veterans speak, one from Viet Nam and the other much more recent, will be such an honour to this Village.
Everyone, please make the effort to attend and show respect for those whocame before us and unfortunetaly, will have to continue to come after us in defense of our country. |
talk-it-up
Citizen
Username: Talkitup
Post Number: 230
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 12:37 am: |
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Could someone confirm that the AK-47 will be off the hill?
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joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 515
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:39 am: |
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Nancy:
The AK-47 dishonors the village.
Tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers were killed by that weapon.
Why did Pierro and Brady agree to this particular rifle?
jd |
Sitoyan
Citizen
Username: Sitoyan
Post Number: 171
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
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I think the AK-47 is off the hill. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5168
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 12:20 pm: |
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It was still therer earlier this morning. Hopefully since I drove past the hill it was removed. We need to do something to prevent things lie this from happening in the future... |
Sitoyan
Citizen
Username: Sitoyan
Post Number: 172
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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Sorry Aunt, my mistake. As I was driving by yesterday I didn't see it, but it may have been hidden by the growing grass. I hope they remove it before Memorial Day. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5174
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 1:15 am: |
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No problem Sitoyan. I drove by again to make sure and luckily it is getting harder to see. Hopefully it will become overgrown with grass. I just don't understand something. Ed Matthews is a Vietnam Veteran who fought in a war many felt the USA had no business being part of. There were many protests against the Vietnam War. But there were also plenty of people howing support for those there. I was very young but I remember almost my whole class wearing POW bracelets.
Many of those who fought that war, by no choice of their own because many were drafted, were treated with undeserved disrespect when they came home. How then, can he allow the display to remain on the hill? How does he think those involved in this war feel? A good many of the men and women fighting it enlisted after 9.11 because it was what they felt was right.
For those who say it's a vocal few complaing about the display and how they are glad Andy didn't cave to our gripes; how about you turn it around the other way. It was a vocal few who wanted it there. Why didn't he just say "NO!" to Judy W and her PG buddies? I can't for the life of me figure out how they have so much power in town.
I've spoken with several Vets who live in South Orange and they are upset about the display. They don't want it there. As I've said more then once, I don't agree with the war, but we're stuck there for the time being. We need to make sure our men and women get out of there safely. If that's what this thing is supposed to mean (as someone insisted it meant) then also put a large banner saying "WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS..."
I'm glad the town is doing something to honor those who have fought in the wars on Monday, but we need to do more to SHOW support for our men and women fighting in THIS war!!! Mark, if I pay for a banner will you do everything in your power to allow it in the park?
BTW-
My friend's 13 year old was telling me about the dispaly on the hill the other day. She knows I drive that way every day so she wanted to know if I saw it. I asked if she knew what it was about. She tells me "Don't you know anything?" Ah, hmmm, guess not I thought. Well, okay care to tell me what it's there for? She tells me "everyone knows it's for some rock band 'Guns N Roses!" Really, I asked her. And who told you this? All the kids at the school know, she says. I just shrugged my shoulders and told her she should ask her parents what it means. Not sure if she had because I haven't seen her since then. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1843
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 11:24 am: |
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Some veterans might believe that they were fighting to protect our "rights" here back home like - whether you like it or not - includes freedom of speech. |
FlyingSpaghettiMonst
Citizen
Username: Noodlyappendage
Post Number: 157
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
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So much for the "gun' on the hill adversly affecting our middle schoolers, JTA. The guns, murders and assaults seen on their t.v. shows influence them a lot more than a weapon made out of flowers.(BTW, could you PLEASE try and proof your writings before you post? The sloppiness is so annoying and detracts from whatever you have to say.) |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5179
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 5:20 pm: |
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FSM
I'm sorry about that. It's hard for me to type due to physical limitations. And I have trouble reading the computer screen with a small font. I've always been a horrible speller to boot. Most of the time I write my posts in an AOL mail window using a larger font and spell check. I then copy and paste my message to MOL. With the exception of MOL I usually type in lowercase which is much easier for me. I'll make more of an effort to be careful in the future
I agree with the Middle School kids seeing a lot worse on TV etc. Just look at some of the videos on any number of the music stations MTV has. I just thought it was kind of funny this kid told me they thought it was about a rock band. I sure wasn't going to tell her the truth. That's up to her parents. I felt it was better to play dumb and suggest she ask them. For all I know this is what her parents let her believe.
The problem I have with the display, many people do not know what it's about. All they see is the outline of a gun. Maybe if modified a little -perhaps like the picture Dave posted with a red "X" over the gun with Poppies (I think he said roses), or a banner saying "We Support Our Troops" more people would get the point.
All our Vets, those who have fought in past wars, as well as those fighting in this war, deserve our respect. I still believe Mr Matthews has done a lot of good for this town. And I still believe he is a decent person. I wish though he would remember how he felt while he was fighting in Vietnam, and people were protesting the war and take that into consideration when residents complain about the display on the hill. With the exception of Tau and the gun mess, I still have a lot of respect for Matthews. I see how he is with the baseball teams and I've seen the results of other projects he's been involed with. |
joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 524
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 4:25 pm: |
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Freedom of speech.
I thought it was "art."
If you want to speak on public property, go ahead.
Attract a crowd and speak.
jd |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1850
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2006 - 9:38 pm: |
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Art is a form of speech. I didn't realize that needed to be pointed out. I guess I was wrong.
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Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 1589
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:43 am: |
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The Memorial Day service was very stirring, and Ed Matthews did a fine job. Reserve Army Major Abrams, a resident who served in Iraq several years ago spoke eloquently and asked observers to pray for the men and women still serving. Bill Calabrese spoke briefly, and friends/ family of S.O. servicemen who died in wars past and present were also on hand.
A fitting tribute... |
talk-it-up
Citizen
Username: Talkitup
Post Number: 231
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:44 am: |
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This is much more than an issue about freedom of speech or art.
The Village of South Orange does not have the right to fund or promote a personal political opinion.
The employees (the employees that we all pay) do not have the right to promote a personal politcal opinion.
A personal, political (or any other opinion) is the right of each one of us individually. The same way the Village does not have the right to support a particular religion. The same way the Village does not hav the right to support pro or against anything. It does have the right to uphold the law and protect the Village for the benefit of ALL.
The Village Administrator has the right to direct the employees and should have had this AK-47 taken down immediately. Instead it appears that the Village does not have control in the Recreational and Cultural affairs of this Village.
Control by a few in disrespect of the whole. |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 423
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 11:48 am: |
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It is as simple as that..... very well said, and sad to say. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1855
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 12:01 pm: |
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Quote:The employees (the employees that we all pay) do not have the right to promote a personal politcal opinion.
That includes removing something they don't particularly agree with... |
Nancy - LibraryLady
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3493
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 12:12 pm: |
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Brett, I don't know you IRL but I too went to the service. It was very moving, especially the tribute to Augie, who I miss very much. I was standing behing a gentlemen who went forward when they asked for family members to step up. He had tears in his eyes and I could see how much this service meant to him.
While attendance was up from last year, it was still pitiful for a town of 17,000 or so. Where were all of you who protest the peceived "disrespect" of the poswerful "Guns and Roses" exhibit? Too busy to show your own respect? I was disappointed but not suprised. |
joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 526
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 1:25 pm: |
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Venom from a liberal.
Shocking.
Shocking.
jd |
Nancy - LibraryLady
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3494
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 1:54 pm: |
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Joel, if that "liberal" swipe was refering to me..
I recently met IRl nother poster who was suprized that I wasn't as "Conservative" as I come across on MOL.
Somehow between the wo of you, I figure I must be a moderate!!!
Remembering my Dads,Uncles, Brothers and all the others who proudly served, sometimes for a just cause sometime not. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1568
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 3:44 pm: |
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"Where were all of you who protest the peceived "disrespect" of the poswerful "Guns and Roses" exhibit? Too busy to show your own respect? I was disappointed but not suprised."
LL, I have disagreed with many of your posts, but this is one of the first times that I am annoyed by your comments. It is great that you went there. That doesn't make you a better person than the rest of us. Even if you think that you are because you attended a public event such as this, keep it to yourself. Humility is a virtue. What would have been wrong with simply saying something along the line of, "I attended a nice service, it was too bad more people didn't show." |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 534
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:10 pm: |
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I did not go. I couldn't go - I went head over heels in my garden yesterday and badly sprained my ankle so I am sitting here feeling sorry for myself.....
That being said, I have spent the day thinking about all the men and women who have, and who are serving here and overseas. In my own way, I thank them, and pray that they will all return safely to the their loved ones, and mourn the loss of those who will never make a living journey home.
I think of my Grandfather. I remember for the longest time just thinking that he worked for the railroad in England... it wasn't until he was hoping to get into a home run by the Royal British Legion that I knew there was "more to him". He never talked about the war... When the man came to interview him from the legion I watched in amazement as my 90+ year old grandfather stood bolt upright, saluted and gave his name, rank and serial number. These were words he hadn't uttered since 1918 and this was 1991. He was front line infantry - he saw the worst there was to see. I learnt things in those few hours that had me in tears and made me see through his eyes the horror of war. In all the years since he died in 1993, I often feel a loss, not just of a man who I loved, but of never knowing something that made him the man he was, but I was lucky to be in that room for the few hours to hear him speak. At the end, the man shook his hand, thanked him for telling his story, and called him by his rank....
As for the AK47. I am against it, but there is no way that I would ever disrespect any person being remembered on a day like Memorial Day by bringing up my feelings about it. The day is about the people, this day is about respect and thanks, not about a silly piece of "art" being neglected on the hill...talk about that is for another day, and certainly not at the memorial service.
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Nancy - LibraryLady
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3496
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
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Mayor, I understand what you are saying but it annoys me that when its so easy to ramble on and on about respect of our troops, many of our posters are there on line. But when you have to take a half-hour out of your busy holiday and actually show up, that's too hard for some.
It does not make me a better person at all. I went by myself and showed my support in a way I could.
I attended a nice service, too bad many more people didn't. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23110
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 4:52 pm: |
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Quote:So much for the "gun' on the hill adversly affecting our middle schoolers, JTA. The guns, murders and assaults seen on their t.v. shows influence them a lot more than a weapon made out of flowers.(BTW, could you PLEASE try and proof your writings before you post? The sloppiness is so annoying and detracts from whatever you have to say.)
Ahh, such irony. It so adversely affects the quality of these threads! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5188
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 29, 2006 - 5:19 pm: |
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Nancy-
I was in another town at a parade and service with my nephews. They did not want to go to South Orange because there was no parade. I couldn't give them an answer when they asked why we no longer had one. Anyone else know? |
Mary_anne
Citizen
Username: Mary_anne
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 12:31 am: |
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Since our towns share a school system,Board of Ed,and first Night, why can't we also share a Memorial Day Parade? There are many groups such as Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Columbia Marching Band, etc., etc., that have members from both towns. I was not aware that South Orange was doing a tribute to Augie Schroeder, who was a classmate of my daughters. The 3rd grade Girl Scout Troop from Clinton School (where there are both South Orange and Maplewood girls, and where Augie attended elementary school,) carried a banner in Augie's honor in the parade that was held in Maplewood. (The troop's leader, Rebekah, was another classmate of Augie's. How much better it would have been to share his memory with everyone. Someone can map out a route that passes both towns, or we could take turns like we do with First Night. I would love to hear more about the S.O. tribute to Augie. Below is a pic of the banner carried by the GS Troop in his honor.
 |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23159
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 12:46 am: |
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Mary-anne, that is a beautiful tribute to Augie, a beloved son of both towns. Your idea of collaborating is effectively accented by that banner and I hope the governing bodies will actively pursue this for next year (or 7/4/6).
I attended Augie's memorial service at Morrow, and I think an annual memorial to him should be established. The saddest aspect is that he is not unique (meaning only that the tragedy is ongoing with young men losing their lives for a president's greed). Sorry for the politicizing. |
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