PARAMUS, NJ – More than 100 veterans have died in the state-run New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus and when 13-year-old Alex Saldana learned what was happening just down the street from his home in April, he sprung into action. Each night, Saldana plays taps in front of the home in honor of the veterans who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He’s even caught the eye of New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer who this week thanked young Saldana, “Thank you to Alex Saldana of Oradell’s Boy Scout Troop 36 for playing taps outside the Paramus Veterans Home every night in honor of all our veterans! We must always get the backs of those who’ve bravely served our nation, especially during this difficult time.”
On Memorial Day, Gottheimer and Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. even joined Saldana during his performance.
“We have met so many wonderful veterans and family members through this journey, many who we now call friends,” said proud mom Melissa Saldana. “Those who lost loved ones at the NJ Veterans Home at Paramus due to Covid-19 shared their beautiful stories with us. May we never forget the sacrifice our veterans made. They are our heroes.”
https://www.facebook.com/melissa.saldana.50/videos/10222898413954857/