Vietnam-Era Servicemen Honored In Hazlet Street-Naming Ceremonies

HAZLET, NJ — Three memorial street signs, displaying the names of young men from Hazlet who gave their lives in service to the country, were dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 17, the township said.

Each was a Hazlet resident who grew up on the street nearby, and gave his life in service to the country. The Hazlet Township Committee and VFW Post 4303 invited Gold Star families to attend brief curbside ceremonies to dedicate the signs.

At three different locations, Township Committeeman Skip McKay described the courageousness of each Hazlet serviceman who died just a few years out of Raritan High School. A post chaplain said a prayer and a bugler played "Taps." Family members, some whom live in town and some who came from out of state, shared a few memories, the township said.

The ceremonies were both emotional and uplifting for the 25 or so gathered at each location, the township reported:

• At the first stop at Stanford and Fleetwood Drives, Gene Kiley remembered his big brother Thomas J. Kiley of the U.S. Navy who died in 1972 at age 22 in military exercises during the Vietnam War era. He recalled his athletic toughness. For a time, Tom helped train Pop Warner football players. “We weren’t great football players, but nobody was in better condition. He was a beast!”
• At Willowbrook Drive and Hazlet Avenue, Donald Christie’s sister June Dickinson spoke about her brother, a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, who died at age 20 on June 13, 1969 after three months of combat in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat Valor, and a Purple Heart. He was a family comedian, as well as generous soul. “If he was your friend, he’d be loyal to the nth degree.”
• At Amherst Lane and Middle Road, U.S. Army PFC Edward C. Fanning was remembered by his siblings. Fanning, 21, died in action June 15, 1969 in Vietnam War, where he had been since February. He died just two days after Christie. Both had been in the Quảng Tín Province. Like Christie, he also was awarded a Purple Heart.

According to information provided by the township, Fanning's family said they still remember and think of him, every single day. Having a street sign in his name is meaningful, especially because so many returned home from Vietnam without any thanks. “It’s long overdue, said Margaret Greenwald. “It’s a small thing to do for what he gave.”

Learning the personal stories of these Hazlet heroes was difficult, said Township Committeeman McKay, who is a retired Navy SEAL and the organizer of the township’s award-winning Honor Hazlet Heroes banner display at Veterans Park.

The lives of these men were cut short at young ages, and they never got to grow old, have families and live life. “The least we can do in Hazlet is to remember them, honor them and never forget them. We are proud of all of them,” he said.

McKay closed each dedication ceremony with the Latin phrase: Non sibi sed patriae “Not for Self, but for Country.”

Five other red honorary street signs have been installed by the township DPW in neighborhoods around town, and dedication ceremonies will be held in coming weeks. They are:

• Thomas Bailey Aumack – Virginia Avenue and Middle Road
• Gilman McKay – Brown Avenue and Route 36
• Glen Bates – Irwin Place and Lynn Boulevard
• Dennis Cama – Colorado Drive and Michigan Avenue
• Michael F. McGreevey – New York Avenue and Holmdel Road

The Township Committee is looking to make contact with the McKay, Bates and Cama families. If those reading this have any information, contact the Hazlet Public Information Office, the town asked.