Edison Becomes a 'Hidden Heroes' Community

EDISON, NJ - Edison is now the first Middlesex County town – and only the second in New Jersey – to declare itself a “Hidden Heroes” community, pledging its support for family members and friends who provide care for injured or ill service members and veterans.

The Township Council has adopted a resolution to designate Edison as a “Hidden Heroes City,” part of a campaign launched last fall by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to call attention to the 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers throughout the nation.

“Family members and friends who provide care for injured, ill or disabled veterans and service members should not be hidden. They really are heroes,” Mayor Thomas Lankey said. “I am proud that Edison is honoring and supporting their dedication and commitment to their loved ones.”

“My Administration, working with our Township Council, will be exploring ways for Edison to best support our local caregivers, helping them to meet their daily challenges and long-term needs as they provide care for our servicemen and women,” Lankey said.

Edison is only the second New Jersey community to sign on as a “Hidden Heroes” community behind East Orange. Both are among the first 100 U.S. cities to agree to participate.

“Our goal is to raise public awareness about the tremendous challenges that military caregivers face and to inspire people, businesses and civic groups to join us in supporting these military caregivers,” said Council President Michael Lombardi, who sponsored a recent Town Council resolution.

Among the national campaign's key initiatives are to raise public awareness and help develop resources and supports for military caregivers at a local level.

“If we want to be a nation that truly cares for those who have borne the battle, we must also be a nation that cares for our caregivers,” said actor Tom Hanks, who serves as national chair for the Hidden Heroes Campaign. Learn more about the Hidden Heroes campaign at www.HiddenHeroes.org