By Jay Taylor, Cranbury Township Committee

On Saturday, June 11 the NJ Civil War History Association, 14th NJ Company H dedicated and donated a memorial to the soldiers from Cranbury and the surrounding area to mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Those soldiers fought valiantly, sometimes sacrificing their own life to keep one unified nation. Therefore, it is with a great deal of sincerity and humbleness that I write this letter of thanks and appreciation to all those who helped organize and who attended the ceremony. 

It is with pride and honor that Cranbury welcomed approximately 250 residents, neighbors, descendants (from as far away as Texas) and state and neighboring town officials who all gave their time to be there on Saturday to give their respect to these former residents of our communities.

The planning for the ceremony took almost two years and it was my privilege to support the individuals and groups who came together for this one common goal. To that end, I want to personally extend my thanks to a number of people and groups who made this event a success and the memorial a lasting tribute the memory of the brave soldiers from our community.

The men and women of the NJCWHA and monument committee chair Bob Bisaccio. The NJCWHA not only donated the monument, but dedicated their time and resources to organizing the ceremony.

The Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society and specifically President Audrey Smith.

The Cranbury Parks Commission and specifically Tom Weidner, Pat Scott and Norma Swale.

The Cranbury Public Works department, Jerry Thorne and Bruno Bertucci.

The Cranbury Police Department, Chief Rickey Varga and the local CERT members who gave their time to help on Saturday.

Township Administrator Denise Marabello and Township Clerk Kathy Cunningham, who worked to ensure the town aspects went smoothly and news outlets and dignitaries were notified.

The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company which donated soda, hot dogs and hamburgers to those in attendance.

Andrew Zysk who as an Eagle Scout project installed the bluestone walk to the monument.

The East Windsor Patch for covering the event.

I can’t help but pause when I walk past Memorial Park now and reflect on the sacrifices made by friends, neighbors and our community to help protect our freedoms and country and how their influence helped make Cranbury the town it is today and hopefully will continue to be.

Best Regards,

Jay Taylor