Hazlet Township Launches Military Tribute Program

HAZLET, NJ - Hazlet Township’s latest initiative will focus on honoring a select group of citizens who have served their country, according to a statement from the town.

The Honor Hazlet Heroes program emboldens sponsors to purchase a banner to be displayed on poles at Hazlet's Veterans Park from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, with each banner slated to display the name and photo of a Hazlet resident on an American flag.

“We want Veterans Park to be flowing with banners representing our citizen soldiers and sailors who heard the call to duty,” said Township Committeeman Skip McKay in a statement. “All visitors to Veterans Park will be reminded that the freedom we enjoy was purchased with the sacrifices of these fellow Hazlet citizens. From our first citizens fighting in the Revolutionary War to those citizens who fought in places like Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.”

Hazlet Township is currently seeking the public’s help in identifying Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. “We are trying to identify all our citizens who are actively serving our country today. If you know of anyone in town who is currently in the military, we want to recognize their service,” McKay said.

The township has the ability to display 47 banners within the park, according to a municipal alert, with additional banners to be displayed on a Wall of Honor on the Hazlet Swim Club fence.

Within the first 10 days of the program, two dozen banners have been requested. Banners purchased before the April 30 deadline will be in place for the township’s Memorial Day ceremony.

You can order a banner at this link.

Hazlet Mayor Tara Clark said in a statement that honoring Hazlet’s legacy of service is very important to the township.

“I have spoken to proud Hazlet parents whose children are currently serving, as well as to families who have given generations of service to our country," she said. "It is a privilege to be a member of this patriotic community and to introduce this new program to show our appreciation and gratitude."

The Hazlet PBA is leading the effort to identify and recognize the active members of the military. Police Officer Russ Surdi can be contacted at rsurdi@HazletPD.org with a request for a banner. Residents may also use the form on the township website to request one.

Donations to help fund the banner program are welcome, and any amount is appreciated. Instructions on where to send contributions can be found on this page. Each banner costs $100 and will be delivered to the families upon its retirement.