Hazlet’s inspiring new program to honor its citizens who are serving in the military, or who have served in the past, is off to a rousing start.
The Honor Hazlet Heroes program enables sponsors to purchase a banner to be displayed on poles at Hazlet's Veterans Park, from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. Each banner will display the name and photo of a Hazlet resident on an attractive flag.
The township has the ability to display 47 banners within the park. Additional banners can be displayed on a Wall of Honor on the Swim Club fence.
The organizers are thrilled to report that in the first 10 days, two dozen banners have been requested. Banners purchased before the April 30 deadline will be in place for our township Memorial Day ceremony. Here's where to order a banner.
Highlighting Hazlet's legacy of service is important, said Mayor Tara Clark. “I have spoken to proud Hazlet parents whose children are currently serving, as well as to families who have given generations of service to our country," she said. "It is a privilege to be a member of this patriotic community and to introduce this new program to show our appreciation and gratitude."
Township Committeeman Skip McKay said, “We want Veterans Park to be flowing with banners representing our citizen soldiers and sailors who heard the call to duty. All visitors to Veterans Park will be reminded that the freedom we enjoy was purchased with the sacrifices of these fellow Hazlet citizens. From our first citizens fighting in the Revolutionary War to those citizens who fought in places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.”
McKay is asking for the public's help in identifying Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. “We are trying to identify all our citizens who are actively serving our country today. If you know of anyone in town who is currently in the military, we want to recognize their service.”
The Hazlet PBA is leading the effort to identify and recognize the active members of the military. Police Officer Russ Surdi can be contacted directly at rsurdi@HazletPD.org with a request for a banner or you may use the form on the township website to request one.
Joe Szutyanyi of our VFW Post 4303 is a co-chair of the program and is handling all Veterans requests for banners.
Donations to help fund the banner program are welcome, and any amount is appreciated.
A banner costs $100 to create and the families will receive the banner upon its retirement. Instructions on where to send contributions can be found on this page.