'Basilone Boulevard' Signage Dedication Honors Gunnery Sergeant In Raritan

RARITAN, NJ — Five blocks of West Somerset Street in downtown Raritan were renamed as "Basilone Boulevard" in honor of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone by the Somerset County Commissioners.

Basilone was a Raritan resident who in World War II won the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Purple Heart as a United States Marine.

"It is a great privilege to move this idea forward, to be a part of honoring John Basilone for all he represents to the country, the county, and especially Raritan," said Commissioner Deputy Director Melonie Marano. "The signs are up in time for Sunday’s John Basilone Parade, and from now on everyone shopping and dining in downtown Raritan will know they are doing so on Basilone Boulevard."

Despite the designation, businesses and residences along Basilone Boulevard will continue to have West Somerset Street addresses.

The designation of the county road, from the intersection of 1st Avenue to Thompson Street, as "Basilone Boulevard" was first presented by Raritan Borough resident Adam Armahizer, who recently completed his own service with the Marines.

"Growing up in Raritan, I heard the stories of John Basilone’s heroism and even marched in the parade and that’s a major reason I joined the Marines," said Armahizer. "After my time with the Marines, I realized how much he gave to us, and working on the Basilone Boulevard concept is my small way of honoring his heroism."

Armahizer brought the idea to Borough Council member Pablo Orozco earlier this summer. Orozco, who also served in the Marines, spoke with Marano who gave her full support. The idea then went before members of the Basilone Parade Committee.

Raritan Mayor Zachary Bray and the Borough Council endorsed the renaming of the county road. The County Commissioners voted unanimously in August to approve the designation.

Basilone enlisted in the Marines prior to World War II and as a Gunnery Sergeant fought bravely during the Battle for Henderson Field on Guadalcanal in 1942, where he won the Medal of Honor for heroism beyond the call of duty. In 1945, Basilone was a machine gun section leader during the invasion of Iwo Jima where he was killed by a bursting mortar shell, for which he won the Navy Cross posthumously. Basilone is the only enlisted Marine to ever win these two awards and a Purple Heart.

To learn more about Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and Raritan’s annual Basilone Parade visit johnbasiloneparade.com.