CRANFORD, NJ — After more than 70 years of honoring local veterans, Cranford Memorial Park could soon see major changes designed to create a more complete and lasting tribute to those who served.
The renovation effort recently received a $15,000 boost from Cranford FMBA Locals 37 and 237, which donated the funds to the VFW Memorial Park Renovation Committee following its fourth annual Cigar & Liquor Tasting Fundraiser.
The project aims to update the longtime memorial site at 350 Springfield Ave. by improving the park’s layout, adding new monuments and creating more ways for visitors to learn about the veterans being honored.
Robert Moran of Cranford FMBA Local 37/237 said the current version of the park was created more than 70 years ago, and additional monuments have been added over time without an overall plan.
A committee made up of members from the Cranford VFW, Cranford 86, the Greenthumb Garden Club and Cranford Township officials has been formed to guide the renovation effort.
Among the proposed improvements are correcting errors and omissions on the existing memorial tablets, adding individual banners or plaques recognizing members of the Cranford 86, and including QR codes that would allow visitors to learn more about their stories.
The plans also include adding monuments recognizing veterans from more recent conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the War on Terror. The project also includes a planned monument honoring Father Waters, one of only nine U.S. military chaplains to receive the Medal of Honor.
Other proposed changes include relocating monuments to create a more unified layout, updating brick walkways with memorial bricks honoring veterans connected to Cranford, and relocating the main U.S. flagpole while adding individual branch-of-service flags.
Moran said the goal is to create a space that not only recognizes those who served but also helps future generations better understand their sacrifices.
"These necessary updates and changes will ensure that Memorial Park truly honors those who served in our nation's conflicts and especially honors and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," Moran said.
The $15,000 donation came from Cranford FMBA Locals 37 and 237’s annual fundraiser, which brought together firefighters, local businesses, community members and supporters for an evening of food, tastings, raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing.
Moran said the fundraiser’s success was made possible through the support of sponsors, donors and residents who attended the event.
"This donation would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, local businesses, and everyone who purchased tickets or contributed to the event," Moran said.
The VFW Memorial Park Renovation Committee will continue working on plans for the project. Cranford FMBA Locals 37 and 237 are also preparing for next year’s Cigar & Liquor Tasting Fundraiser.
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