BERKELEY TOWNSHIP-While many in the United States were discussing whether or not NFL players should be taking a knee during the national anthem, Berkeley Township elected officials were thinking about how they further aide America’s growing list of wounded warriors.
According to Mayor Carmen Amato, Berkeley Township is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the state. The Township forefathers sought fit to honor our veterans with the naming of Veterans Boulevard and Veterans Park.
“The Township forefathers sought fit to honor our veterans with the naming of Veterans Boulevard and Veterans Park,” Amato said. “Councilman James J. Byrnes, and I were discussing what can we do to honor our combat wounded Veterans.”
Councilman Byrnes, is a Vietnam War veteran who received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his heroic actions in combat, where he served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne.
“[We] came up with the idea of dedicating two parking spaces at Town Hall,” Amato said. “Our Town Hall is extremely busy during the day where parking is always at a premium. These dedicated spaces are our way to say thank you for your service to our country.”
Amato said in 2015, volunteers, led by Councilman Byrnes built a new sign for veterans park to not only honor our veterans, but our first responders as well. Byrnes is a retired Carpenter. The sign was dedicated in 2016.
Byrnes is a retired Carpenter. The sign was dedicated in 2016.
This isn’t the first time an Ocean County Mayor dedicated parking spaces at town hall for veterans. Two years ago, Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina gave up his front row spot at town hall and dedicated the spot as veteran-only parking.
